"Next, let's invite Frostwave Corporation to present their newest product, the Goldcrow pill! I'm sure everyone has heard about it. It's said to be a groundbreaking medicine that can treat all illnesses!"A round of applause, please, as we invite Ms. Whitney Sutton, the CEO of Frostwave Corporation, to come up on stage!"A round of applause rang out."It's our turn, Ms. Sutton," Mabel said in excitement.Whitney took a deep breath and stood up.She saw the spotlights on the stage and heard the thunderous applause.Tonight, she would be embarking on her first step to becoming the queen of Steinberg's business world.She would be officially bidding goodbye to the past and ushering in a new future.After exhaling, Whitney's gaze fell on Sebastian, who was still chatting with ease in the corner.Once again, she reminded herself that after tonight, she and Sebastian would belong to two entirely different worlds. She would tower far above him.She would become a household name in S
Everyone in the hall was thunderstruck.In an instant, all eyes turned toward the corner where Sebastian sat.Their gazes varied between shock, doubt, fury, disdain, and revelry.Who was he?What gave him the nerve to say something like that during such an important occasion? Did he have a death wish?Even Rosalie shrank back timidly. She did not like the feeling of being stared at by so many people.She crept nearer to Sebastian and tugged on his shirt while muttering, "Watch what you say, Dr. Ballard. That's Mr. Whitaker Senior. He's from the state capital. Even my family, the Griffins, have to treat him with respect …"Meanwhile, Isabel, who was standing beside Nathan, immediately recognized Sebastian.Her eyes flickered in bewilderment.What was he doing here?She too, thought it was brave of him to say such a thing in front of Nathan.Isabel frowned as she tried to find a way to excuse Sebastian's actions.Meanwhile, after hearing what Sebastian said, Whitney was stunn
Everyone in the hall started murmuring among themselves.When they heard Whitney mentioning the divorce, they realized that Sebastian was once her husband.They knew her husband. He was the one who founded Frostwave Corporation three years ago and became known as the talented entrepreneur who was the most capable young man in Steinberg.But two years ago, he started retreating from Steinberg's business world. No one ever spoke of him again. If Whitney had not brought it up, they would not have even recognized him.It was rumored that Sebastian, the previous CEO of Frostwave Corporation, became obsessed with the mystical arts. He had abandoned the company and started a small shop doing fortune telling and geomancy readings instead. The crowd figured the rumors were true after all.Most of the people present knew about Sebastian's past fame.But now, he seemed like an entirely different person.He was an aimless loser who spoke irresponsibly to sway the crowd.By now, everyone
Everyone inside the hall fixed their eyes on Nathan. They wanted to see his reaction after eating the Goldcrow pill.Isabel also crouched down and asked in concern, "How do you feel, Grandpa?"Nathan smiled faintly and said, "I think it worked. My body feels a lot lighter, and my chest feels less stuffy. The persistent pain is gone too, and my mind feels clearer. The Goldcrow pill is indeed effective."As soon as he said that, all the guests became agitated!The Goldcrow pill was a miracle cure!Now that even Nathan had voiced his support for it, the pill would certainly have a huge impact on Steinberg's pharmaceutical industry!After hearing Nathan's words, Whitney's heart settled back in place. She exhaled in relief.Thanks to this event, the Goldcrow pill had made its mark!Whitney was starting to imagine what it would be like when Frostwave Corporation became the top pharmaceutical industry in Steinberg.Mabel was also thrilled. Her eyes were filled with pride."We did it
Mabel hastily helped Whitney up from the floor as she cried out, "W-What should we do now Ms. Sutton? If something happens to Mr. Whitaker Senior, we're done for! It'll all be over for us …"Someone from the crowd cried out, "Sebastian was right …"Sebastian?Upon hearing his name, Whitney froze and stared out the entrance."Ms. Sutton, I'm sure Sebastian's behind this! He's the one who gave me the formula. He did it on purpose. He wants to harm you and the entire Frostwave Corporation!" Mabel declared in fury. After realizing the situation, she quickly shoved all the blame onto Sebastian without mentioning all of his repeated warnings."Is it really him?" Whitney said hesitantly.Based on her understanding of him, she thought that even though they were divorced, he would not do this to hurt her.She believed that even though he had become something of a loser in the last two years, he was still a decent person."Ms. Sutton, how can you still trust that bastard at a time like t
Whitney froze briefly before letting out a bitter laugh and saying, "So, this is what you're truly after, isn't it?"Sebastian frowned and asked, "What do you mean by that?""Hah. Now that things have come to this, why bother pretending? Didn't you plan all this just to humiliate me in front of all those influential people? Wasn't it just so that I would beg you for help and satisfy your disgusting selfishness?"Whitney continued to laugh bitterly as she wiped her tears away.She could not figure out why the man she had been with for three years would treat her like this.Sebastian could not stop himself from raising his brows.So, this was how she thought of him.Everything he had done for her the last three years—all of his efforts and contributions—had been for nothing!"Is that what you think of me?" Sebastian asked as he stared at Whitney with a serious gaze.Whitney did not reply, but her icy expression conveyed her answer.Sebastian snorted self-deprecatingly and shook
Isabel's expression turned grim as she frowned.Sebastian swiftly declared, "If Mr. Whitaker Senior doesn't wake up in five minutes, I'll take full responsibility for everything!""Alright! You said so yourself. This has nothing to do with Whitney," Fergus proclaimed as he sneered to himself."It has nothing to do with her," Sebastian said coldly.Whitney and Mabel just so happened to come in at this time, and when Whitney heard what Sebastian said, her expression changed.Fergus quickly clambered over to Whitney and said eagerly, "You heard him, Whitney. Sebastian's taking full responsibility for the situation. If anything happens to Mr. Whitaker Senior, it won't have anything to do with you. You don't have to worry anymore.""Thank you so much, Mr. Cobb," Mabel said quietly.Everything would be fine if the situation had nothing to do with Whitney and Frostwave Corporation.It was just as well that the bastard Sebastian took all the responsibility for what happened!However,
Nathan immediately opened his eyes. His body felt completely relaxed, and the tightness in his chest was gone. There was also a warm sensation throughout his body."I'm fine," Nathan assured her with a smile.Isabel wiped her tears away and exhaled in relief. Then, she quickly turned to Sebastian and said, "Thank you so much, Dr. Ballard."Sebastian smiled faintly and said, "It's nothing."All the guests were flabbergasted.They did not expect Sebastian to be a medical expert.Standing among the crowd, Fergus had an unpleasant expression. The words he said earlier were still ringing in his ears. It was now a slap in his face."Thank you so much, Dr. Ballard. I will never forget this. If you ever need anything, feel free to get in touch with me or Izzy." Nathan thanked Sebastian with a nod.Sebastian returned to gesture and said, "You're too kind, Mr. Whitaker Senior. On account of your great contributions to the country and your efforts to protect the safety of all citizens, I
Whitney perked up at Sebastian's question. "It's all because you ran into the two monsters that day," she said. "I saw it on the surveillance footage. That was when I realized that the two women living in the store don't have that kind of relationship with you…"Whitney had never asked, and Sebastian hadn't bothered to explain who Nina and Lyanna were. That was why she had mistakenly thought that both of them were Sebastian's lovers as well.Realization had only dawned on her when she heard Nina address Sebastian as her master, even in her dying breath. Whitney had seen how powerful Nina was that day and how she had been willing to die in order to protect Sebastian.Nina and Lyanna weren't Sebastian's lovers. They were his servants. Not only that, Nina was a thousand-year-old giant snake!That had completely changed Whitney's view of the world. Although there had always been legends of mystical beings and ghosts, Whitney was an accomplished businesswoman who believed firmly in sc
Sebastian laughed wryly and shook his head. "I'm not from the Ballard Estate," he said. "My name is Sebastian, and it's better if my cousin weren't seen around me too much.""Oh, you're Sebastian."The two young women breathed a long sigh of relief. They looked him up and down for a long time before exchanging a glance. Then, they covered their faces and giggled.One of them stepped forward and said, "Come with me. Honestly… you seem pretty normal. I don't get why Ms. Sutton is yearning for you so much."Sebastian cleared his throat awkwardly and said nothing.The young woman led Sebastian into the house, where Whitney was sitting and reading a book intently. She said, "Ms. Sutton, look who's here."Whitney put down her book and looked up. When she saw Sebastian behind the young woman, she was both surprised and delighted. She got up and threw herself into Sebastian's arms."Sebastian, is it really you?"The young woman covered her face and chuckled before leaving the room sile
Sebastian watched Andreas leave and exhaled deeply. Preston wasn't the only one he didn't trust. No one in the Ballard Estate was worthy of his trust, including Andreas.Once Andreas had completely disappeared, Sebastian beckoned to the woods in the distance and said, "Come out!"In a flash, Duo appeared at his side. "My lord, why didn't you wipe out those people in the hall today?" he asked.Duo clenched his fists tightly, and there was a murderous look simmering in his eyes. Although he hadn't been in the hall, he had clearly heard everything the Ballards had said.Anyone who disrespected his master deserved death!Besides, neither Sebastian nor Duo would have had to lift a finger to kill them. All they had to do was to crush the Tribulation Avoidance Charm and trigger the divine tribulation. Once it descended, no one in the hall would have lived to tell the tale, including Arnaud."If we become hostile with the Ballards, it'll be almost impossible for us to leave in peace. Now
"It all comes back to Uncle Samson," Andreas said. "Great Uncle Arnaud already told you he'd let Uncle Samson have his freedom if you find the other emerald token, but then he brought up the marriage alliance. "It directly affects whether or not Uncle Samson can regain his freedom. So, why don't you think about it?"With a quiet chuckle, Andreas walked toward a grove of peach trees to the west.Realization finally dawned on Sebastian. Arnaud was a shrewd man. He wouldn't slip up like that. Besides, although the Ballards and the Yeomans had established a marriage agreement, they hadn't named specific individuals, only that the Blessed Child of the Ballards would fulfill it.The Blessed Child bore the duty of guiding the Ballards to revival. In other words, the emerald token would be better off falling into the Blessed Child's hands rather than anyone else's.Could it be that the final emerald token was with the Yeomans? If that were true, why hadn't the Ballards used their pow
"I'm sorry, but I have no interest in becoming the head of the Ballard family," Sebastian said impassively. "I only want my father to be freed."Arnaud's expression changed slightly, but his tone remained neutral as he said, "It's Braxton who owes you and your mother, not the entire family. Why must you do this?"Sebastian let out a cold snort. It was true that Braxton had been the one who had kicked them out, but weren't the true culprits the elders of the Ballard Estate?"If there's nothing else, I'd like to see Whitney," Sebastian said, rising slowly to his feet. As soon as he mentioned her name, Arnaud waved a hand at him and said, "Don't be in such a rush, Sebastian. Whitney is safe. The Ballards would never harm a frail woman."He added, "However, there's something I want to ask you. Is Whitney still your wife?"Sebastian frowned. "Whether she is or isn't, what business is that of the Ballards?""Of course it is," Arnaud replied firmly. "The Ballards and the Yeomans of
Arnaud led Sebastian into a secret room deep within the Hall of the Ancestral Dragon. Once inside, Sebastian saw a Cosmic Orbit Diagram. It was exactly the same as the records in the Sacred Medicine Secret Annals.However, the Ballards' Cosmic Orbit Diagram was divided into different sections. It looked even more three-dimensional."This is the Cosmic Orbit Diagram passed down through our family for generations," Arnaud said proudly. "The one that the Sacred Medicine Society has is just a copy."The legacy of the mystic arts in Dramon almost all came from the Ballards.The Ballards had withheld some things back then as well. As a result, all the legacies of the various secular sects only had incomplete Cosmic Orbit Diagrams. It was why there were very few experts at the fifth level of the Eldoria realm and above.Afterward, Arnaud led Sebastian into a library. Thousands of technical legacies lined the shelves. Sebastian flipped through them. The techniques recorded there were
Samson glanced at Sebastian. He took a deep breath and said to Arnaud, "Thank you for sparing me, Uncle Arnaud."He gave Sebastian a few final reminders before leaving the hall with Preston.Once they were gone, Arnaud pointed at Duo and said to Sebastian, "Tell him to leave too."Sebastian waved a hand at Duo."I'll wait for you at the entrance, my lord," Duo said. "If anything happens, I'll be here as soon as you call!"He gave Arnaud a cold look before striding out of the hall.Arnaud watched him leave and smiled approvingly. He beckoned to Sebastian. "Come, sit!"Sebastian didn't hesitate. He crossed the hall and sat in the chair opposite Arnaud."Do you know why I asked Andreas to bring you back here?" Arnaud asked impassively. Sebastian shook his head expressionlessly. He said in a cold voice, "It's probably because of the emerald token in my father's possession."Apart from using him and Whitney as leverage against Samson, he couldn't think of any other reason.Arnau
"The Blessed Child! The Blessed Child has finally come to our family!"The black-robed old man who had been sitting beside Arnaud stood up, looking pleased. He couldn't hide his excitement as he turned to Arnaud and said, "Arnaud, our family is going to prosper!"Only Rexton and Milton looked extremely displeased. Braxton and Roland looked pained, as if they had lost something of great value. They were practically thumping their chests in regret!The Blessed Child had been foretold by one of the heads of the family centuries ago. No matter how far the Ballards declined, the prophecy said that after a few hundred years, a Blessed Child would appear—someone who could lead the family's revival!The only proof of the Blessed Child was for him to enter a master-servant oath with a Devora."Prosper? What a joke!" Hugo scoffed, holding Virtus firmly. "Weren't you all just clamoring about killing the two of them?"At Hugo's words, Arnaud's expression changed slightly. "When did I say tha
"Hugo!"Arnaud, who had been sitting with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them wide. He eyed Hugo with a conflicted expression as he asked, "Have you forgotten the agreement the Thornes made with us ten years ago?"Hugo smiled coldly and put one hand behind his back. "That was the agreement you made with the Thornes. I'm only following Ms. Thorne's orders to protect Samson and find the emerald token. If Samson dies in this battle, how am I supposed to explain that to her?"He pointed at Sebastian and added, "He's Ms. Thorne's flesh and blood. Your family has no right to punish him! If the Ballards insist on killing them today, don't blame me for going on a killing spree!"When Hugo had finished, Sebastian finally realized that Hugo was from Isabella's family and that he had stayed at the Ballard Estate to protect Samson.It was clear that Isabella hadn't held a grudge toward Samson. In fact, she had sent an expert to stay behind to protect him in case anything happened.Arnaud's