Whitney furrowed her brow, expressing her dissatisfaction.Shortly after, Mabel called, sounding angry. "Ms. Sutton, I knew that Sebastian's move to open a company wasn't that simple! Look at this. Arctic Snow Mask. Isn't he intentionally competing with the face mask we are about to launch?"Whitney remained silent, her expression grim.Mabel continued, eagerly explaining, "Ms. Sutton, you can't be indecisive anymore. You and Sebastian are divorced! I know you don't want to confront him, but he has already encroached upon us. Arctic Snow Mask is direct competition for our product! I can't just let Sebastian continue like this."Whitney sighed and asked, "What do you wanna do?""We should attack Arctic Snow Mask from all sides. As long as Sebastian promotes it, we engage in a price war! If that doesn't work, we can use public opinion to bring down his company!" Mabel declared indignantly.Whitney raised an eyebrow, coldly saying, "Is it necessary to go this far? It's just a face m
Zeke had just taken a sip when he choked awkwardly. He smiled and said, "I can't hide anything from you, Dr. Ballard. Last night, you mentioned that my illness could be cured, right?""Yes." Sebastian nodded.Hurriedly, Zeke asked, "Then, could you please prescribe some medicine for me?"Sebastian smiled as he retrieved a prescription from the drawer, handing it to Zeke. "Follow the instructions and get the medicine from the pharmacy down the block."Surprised, Zeke took the prescription and asked, "Dr. Ballard, did you anticipate that I would come?"Sebastian simply smiled in response.Zeke didn't stay long. After paying the consultation fee, he left promptly.Before leaving, Zeke said, "By the way, Dr. Ballard, I'll let you in on something. Next week, there's the district competition with seven matches. Points will be accumulated based on the ranking in each match, and elimination will take place at the end."Only the top ten with the highest score in total from the seven mat
Haughtily, Mabel sneered and drove away from the place. After Sebastian finished his meal with Tommy, he returned to the shop and happened to see a familiar-looking car leaving."Mabel?"Sebastian was puzzled but didn't care much. Just then, his phone rang. It was Whitney."Ms. Sutton, what's the matter?" Sebastian asked absentmindedly.Whitney's voice was sharp and unquestionable, saying, "Sebastian, meet me at 1:30 pm at Magnolia Café. I want to speak with you."Later, when Sebastian arrived at Magnolia Café, he spotted Whitney sitting by the window. Arms crossed, she exuded a cold and elegant demeanor, truly fitting of a CEO.Approaching Whitney, Sebastian sat down and smilingly asked, "Ms. Sutton, are you so idle to be inviting me for coffee?""Cut the small talk." Whitney glanced at him and then demanded, "What's the deal with Rosé Corporation?"Sebastian replied with a shrug, "What's the issue?"Whitney scoffed and commented, "Naming a company after another woman. Seba
"My company's research and development team has tested the formula hundreds of times. There are no issues! Since you claim there's a problem, tell me exactly where," Whitney stated curtly.Sebastian frowned slightly and answered, "A minority of consumers may experience skin itching and redness.""That's ridiculous!" Whitney laughed mockingly.She continued, "Sebastian, tell me, which facial mask on the market doesn't have side effects for some people? Are you trying to scare me?"Upon hearing this, Sebastian's expression darkened. "I'm not trying to scare you. I'm just giving you a heads-up.""I don't need it! I know better than you whether the product has issues or not! All you need to do is watch as Frostwave Corporation's new launch sweeps the entire market," Whitney argued and then left the café.Sebastian was helpless. After sitting for a while, he also got up and left.When Whitney returned to the company, she immediately called Mabel and asked, "How much longer until the
Soon, Rosalie drove Sebastian to Artifact Street in West Market.The lively and crowded Artifact Street immediately captivated Sebastian. On both sides of the street were antique shops, with people coming in and out to hunt for treasures. Among them were also tourists.Many vendors had spread various antique pieces for sale on tarps on the ground. Rosalie seemed to enjoy the bustling atmosphere. She looked around while explaining, "Dr. Ballard, this place is similar to Vintage Bazaar in Janover, only much smaller."Sebastian nodded, casually scanning the area. He noticed that most of the items sold by the street vendors were counterfeit. They were deceiving visitors from out of town.He had already seen several tourists happily leaving with fake antiques, thinking they had discovered treasures.After a brief stroll, Sebastian began searching for the medicinal furnace he needed. Quickly, he stopped at one of the stalls.When the tan-skinned vendor saw Sebastian, he enthusiastica
Sebastian sneered as he returned the medicinal furnace to the vendor, turning to leave.Frantically, the vendor cried out, "Wait, sir, are you really interested in buying it?"Sebastian waved his hand dismissively while replying, "I just want to buy a medicinal furnace to make medicine at home. 200 grand is too expensive. I'm thinking 10 to 20 grand would be more reasonable."As he spoke, Sebastian intentionally slowed down his pace.The vendor furrowed his brow. After a moment of hesitation, he said, "Fine, 20 grand! I can't go any lower! If you want it, just take it."Sebastian broke into a grin as he turned toward the vendor. "Okay."Rosalie grew anxious and asked, "Dr. Ballard, are you really buying it? This medicinal furnace looks too ordinary and dirty. If you want one, I can arrange for someone to send you a better one later.""Quiet. I have my own plans," Sebastian whispered.Hearing this, Rosalie didn't say another word.Soon, Sebastian paid for the medicinal furnace.
"You!"Leslie's eyes flashed dangerously, and her expression soured.All her life, she had always gotten anything she wanted, and no one had ever dared to go against her like this. Especially not in public!Scumbag!"You're really determined to go against me, right?" Leslie declared lowly as she let out a cold chuckle.She continued, "Do you even know who you're dealing with right now? There's nothing I can't buy in Steinberg, so what makes you think that I can't buy a measly artifact from Artifact Street?"Don't blame me for what I'll do next if you don't give me that medicinal furnace!"What an arrogant, unreasonable, and demanding young woman.Sebastian glanced at Leslie indifferently before he coldly replied, "Is that right? Then, I would love to see what you're going to do next."Leslie was livid, and she screeched, "My grandfather is James Turner!""I've told you, even if your grandfather asked me, my answer wouldn't change," Sebastian replied calmly.Leslie stamped he
As such, with how powerful Butch was, how could he end up coughing blood after one kick from Sebastian?At that moment, Sebastian stalked toward her with the electric baton in hand. Leslie was terrified and cautioned shakily with a pale face, "What… What are you doing! Don't come any closer! Don't you know who I am? I am James Turner's granddaughter, Leslie Turner!""James is truly unfortunate to have a granddaughter like you," Sebastian said coldly.He was just about to teach her a lesson when a black McLaren pulled up on the side of the road.After that, a classy and attractive young woman dressed in a white tracksuit with her hair up in a ponytail got out of the car.Leslie's mood brightened when she saw the young woman, and she waved excitedly as she called, "Lorelai! Here! This bastard is bullying me…"Leslie was clearly the one who had escalated the situation, and yet there she was, shifting the blame onto Sebastian without another thought.Sebastian frowned as he watche
As the man in the black robe yelled, the entire hall fell silent at once. The thin old man threw the black-robed old man a disgruntled look, but he returned obediently to his seat.Once the noise had died down, Preston stepped forward and swept an icy gaze over the crowd who were present. "You call yourself the elders of the family?"The monument of our ancestral dragon is right in front of you. How could you bully two young members of the family in front of it? Don't you feel any shame?"Besides, how dare you speak before Arnaud does?"After the harsh scolding they received from Preston, no one in the crowd dared to protest. Sebastian nodded involuntarily. It appeared that Preston did have influence in the Ballard family. At least no one had interrupted his scolding, including Arnaud and the man in the black robe.Preston huffed angrily and bowed to Arnaud, who sat in the middle. "Arnaud, I've brought Samson and Sebastian!"Preston went over to the chair next to the black-robe
"Sebastian, I won't be going in. Remember, don't say anything without being spoken to, and don't be impulsive!" Andreas said softly in Sebastian's ear when they reached the door to the hall. He then walked over to the crowd, which was packed on both sides of the hall.Samson and Preston walked into the hall without any change in expression. Sebastian hesitated for a moment before hurrying to catch up.When they reached the entrance, the two old men reached out to stop them and said to Preston, who was in the lead, "Preston, I'm afraid that it wouldn't be a good idea for you to go in. Everyone knows that you're biased toward Samson's family. If you get into an argument with Arnaud, then—""Nonsense!" Preston yelled furiously. He spoke in a menacing tone to the two old men. "Don't try those tricks with me. Today, I'm going to be the voice of reason. Who among you can do anything to me?"With that, he pushed them aside and strode into the hall.The two old men gazed after his ret
The Ballard Estate's resources were unfathomable as it was. Could Isabella's family be even more powerful than theirs?Sebastian clearly remembered that both he and Samson were under the Sacred Medicine Society. They even had the same mentor.The Sacred Medicine Society was above all the other mystic martial arts sects. Even the sect leaders of the Nine Sects were very respectful toward his mentor.If Samson really was from the same sect as Sebastian, then his mentor had clearly been unable to save him. Wouldn't that mean that the Sacred Medicine Society was no match for the Ballards?Wouldn't that mean that Isabella's family was an even greater entity?"If my mother's family is really that powerful, why couldn't they rescue my father? There would also be no reason to let me join the Sacred Medicine Society either, right?" Sebastian asked probingly. It seemed as if Andreas had never even thought about such questions. He smiled and shook his head. "You probably don't know about a
As they stepped out of the courtyard gate, Samson suddenly turned and lowered his voice as he said to Sebastian, "I didn't treat you and your mother well. Please don't hold it against me."Sebastian felt even more conflicted. After everything he had been through, he knew very well that there were times when one really had no choice. When Samson saw that Sebastian was looking at him with a conflicted expression, he patted him on the shoulder and gave him a warm smile. Then he took a token from Preston and walked out of the yard.They followed Preston as he walked toward the east, where there was a majestic-looking building."Why are you helping me?" Sebastian suddenly turned and asked Andreas in a low voice. Andreas glanced at him and gave him a long, cryptic smile. "Do you think I'm helping you? I'm helping myself while doing so!""Oh?" Sebastian looked at Andreas in confusion, his brow knitted. Even Rexton had mentioned that Andreas was in Arnaud's favor. Why would he need t
When Rexton and the others had gone, Preston turned to look at Samson and said irritatedly, "You little rascal. Would I ever hurt you?"Besides, you've been here in isolation for ten years. Why hasn't your temper changed at all? Couldn't you show me some respect in front of all those people?"Samson glanced at Preston but didn't answer.Preston huffed and ignored him. He turned and looked Sebastian up and down instead."Hey, kiddo. Over ten years have passed in just the blink of an eye. You've probably forgotten me. I even gave you candy back then! Come over here and call me Great Uncle Preston!"Sebastian looked at him in surprise. It was true that he didn't have much of an impression of what had happened over ten years ago. However, he could tell from what Preston had said and done that his attitude toward Sebastian's family was completely different from Rexton and the others.Beside Sebastian, Andreas kept shooting him meaningful looks. Sebastian finally smiled and said, "Hell
Although the old man looked as if he was over 60 years old, his expression was sharp and lively, and his skin was smooth as a baby's. It gave him a youthful air.Even the severely injured apprentices all scrambled up from the ground when they saw him. They hastily bowed and said, "Greetings, Great Uncle Preston!"Even Rexton had no choice but to suppress his anger. He bowed sullenly to the old man and said, "Greetings, Uncle Preston."Preston Ballard glanced at Rexton and turned to shout angrily at the apprentices, "If I hadn't come, were you planning to tear the Ballard Estate apart? Look at all of you! Get out of here right now!"Despite the scolding they had been subjected to, none of them dared to protest. They all lowered their heads and slunk out of the yard. Preston glared angrily at them as they went and snorted. "What an embarrassment to the family!"Then he smiled slightly and looked at Samson and Sebastian as he asked, "Samson, do you have anything to say?"Samson lo
Rexton's pupils constricted, and the muscles in his face twitched. He stared at Samson with a wary look in his eyes. He and Samson were two minor stages apart. It was no laughing matter. If the two of them began to fight, Rexton would be sure to die if he didn't have any external assistance."What's the matter? Are you scared?" Samson sneered as he asked in a cold, accusatory tone. That flipped a switch in Rexton's head. His expression changed instantly, and he turned a fierce look on Samson. "Afraid?" he asked through gritted teeth.As he spoke, Rexton seemed to make up his mind. He slowly reached into his pocket and took out a pale blue paper charm, which looked thicker than usual.The paper charm was oppressive to look at. Sebastian instinctively sensed a threatening energy approaching!Even Samson looked wary when he saw the paper charm."Uncle Rexton, this is a Soulcrush Charm. Great Uncle Arnaud has clearly said that no one in the Ballard Estate is allowed to use spiri
Sebastian immediately felt the pressure around him drop. The feeling of being pinned down disappeared as well."How dare you—"Before Rexton could finish, a shadow flashed past him, and Samson popped up right in front of him.Samson stuck out his finger as if it were a sword and tapped him on the chest. Although Samson hadn't used any strength, Rexton could see the murderous look in his eyes. There was a dot of scarlet light that swirled around Samson's finger. A crimson rune was gradually appearing, and there was a chilling, murderous sensation in the air. Sebastian gasped. He had finally realized how the mystic spells should be used, and he was in awe. It wasn't that Sebastian was unable to do it. It was just that up until then, he had only seen the mystic sect apprentices of the secular world. Perhaps their understanding of how to use mystic spells was too superficial, which was why Sebastian's perception had also been affected.Realization only dawned on him when he saw
At Rexton's roar of fury, everyone turned to look at Samson, who was still standing there quietly without moving."A traitor? Murder?"There was finally a flicker of emotion on Samson's face. A sudden glimmer of light flared in his eyes, which had been devoid of life for a long time."Rexton, you know very well how your father died!"As Samson spoke, he walked toward Rexton with a steady step as he said, "I admit that I've wronged Sebastian and his mother. I was just too soft-hearted back then. That's why I believed your lies and tried to keep the big picture in mind for the Ballards, but look at how you've treated me!"There was suddenly a cold glint in Samson's eyes, and he said in a thunderous tone, "You set up a series of traps and tried to kill and torture my wife and son!"You pursued them until the ends of the earth! If my mentor hadn't rescued Sebastian, do you think he'd still be alive today?"Did you just accuse me of murder? Did you ever think of the fact that we're f