Sebastian frowned as he looked at Tony and said coldly, "Who are you?""You don't even know me, yet you dare to disrupt my affairs?" Tony chuckled menacingly, looking icy. "That old bastard Howard managed to find a greenhorn like you. Seems like he's getting desperate."Sebastian's expression changed immediately as he understood.This was the head of the Wright family from Janover, who had attempted to assassinate Howard several times."So, it's you," Sebastian said coldly.Tony sneered disdainfully, then continued, "Kid, if you can defeat Mr. Mitchell, you must be powerful. How about joining me? I can guarantee you wealth and prosperity. What do you say?"Sebastian's expression remained emotionless as he refused, "I'm sorry, but you're not worthy."Tony's face darkened instantly. "Kid, you're bold! You're the first person to speak to me like this. Aren't you worried you'll end up floating in the river tomorrow morning?" he threatened ominously.Sebastian remained indifferent.
"Touching him means disrespecting me!" Hans roared.Tony's face darkened at Hans' words, anger bubbling inside him. He didn't expect Hans to be so adamant.Benefactor and savior? Tony was confused.According to his investigation, Sebastian was just a small figure in Steinberg, and he also divorced his rich wife without taking anything from her. This meant that he should have no power of status.Why was Hans here because of him?Tony was puzzled."Tony! What are you waiting for? Release the hostage! If Mr. Ballard's ex-wife is harmed in any way, don't even think about leaving Steinberg!" Hans shouted.Tony was speechless, and his face turned livid.This was the first time someone had ever commanded him!He was the head of the Wright family, and everyone respected him anywhere he went!But today, he was first disrespected by an unknown young man. Then, he was scolded by someone like Hans, an underworld scum who couldn't even show his face in public. Tony was seething with ang
Whitney's head suddenly throbbed. She quickly covered her head while hissing in pain. Sebastian said emotionlessly, "I just gave you acupuncture to promote your blood flow. Avoid strenuous activity, refrain from thinking too much, and rest for a few days, and you'll be fine."Hans also seized the opportunity to say, "Ms. Sutton, if it weren't for Mr. Ballard, you might have lost your life. It's evident that he cares about you.""Cares about me?" Whitney was taken aback, looking at Sebastian with a complex expression.Sebastian furrowed his brow and said, "Hans, didn't you say you had some matters to attend to?""Oh? Yes, yes, I do. Sorry to intrude. Let's leave the two of you alone," Hans quickly responded, leading his men away.After a moment, the living room quieted down. Whitney sat on the sofa, feeling nervous and uneasy as she watched Sebastian put away the silver needles, preparing to leave. She quickly asked, "Sebastian… um, earlier, was it you who saved me?" Even t
"Mr. Cobb, you're too kind. With your status and strength, even Mr. Wagner has to show you respect. I really admire you," Mabel flattered.Fergus smiled as he played along.The incident at the cruise party last time almost blew his cover.But this time, clearly, Mabel and Whitney misunderstood. It was better to just go along with the misunderstanding, as there was no loss anyway.Whitney also smiled and said, "Thank you, Mr. Cobb.""Whitney, even if it's the richest man in Steinberg, as long as you're in trouble, I can get in touch with them for you!" Fergus said, showing off.Sebastian, who was about to leave, heard these words and chuckled coldly."Sebastian, what are you laughing at?!" Mabel was very displeased and said, "If it weren't for Mr. Cobb, Ms. Sutton would have been in trouble tonight! How dare you laugh? You useless scum!"Sebastian countered, "So, you think Hans got involved because of Fergus?"Mabel frowned disapprovingly, "Well, who else could it be? Certainly
Today marked the launch of Frostwave Corporation's latest beauty and skincare product. The Iceheart facial mask, propelled by Frostwave Corporation's marketing efforts, was quickly sold out upon its release. Due to significant discounts, long queues formed across major malls and counters in Steinberg. In her office, Whitney wore a confident smile as she reviewed the data reports Mabel handed her. Within half a day, the facial mask surged into the top five of Steinberg's facial mask sales chart. "Ms. Sutton, given the current momentum, this mask could top the sales chart in just three days," Mabel exclaimed excitedly.The tremendous success of this facial mask could undoubtedly elevate Frostwave Corporation to higher levels. Whitney set aside the reports and gazed through the large glass window at the bustling cityscape with towering skyscrapers. She calmly said, "We can do better. Allocate all of the group's current promotional resources to this facial mask. I want this ma
In the afternoon, Arctic Snow Mask officially set up its temporary counters in major shopping malls in Steinberg and began distributing trial samples. However, the situation wasn't optimistic. This was because, throughout the morning, the malls in Steinberg were plastered with advertisements and banners promoting Iceheart facial masks. The malls even set up counters at the busiest spots, with each counter surrounded by crowds of people. Batch after batch of the product was quickly sold out, with continuous restocking. As a result, Arctic Snow Mask's counters were left deserted, with no one showing interest.Soon, word reached Mabel's ears. Upon seeing the video footage, Mabel smirked, mocking him, "Is Sebastian out of his mind? Promoting his facial mask at a time like this is nothing short of suicidal."She immediately ordered, "Arrange to ramp up our promotional efforts. Also, arrange some netizens to discredit the Arctic Snow Mask!" After briefing her staff, Mabel turned
A Rosé Corporation employee rushed into Sebastian's office, looking anxious. "Mr. Ballard, here is the latest data." Sebastian took the data and glanced at it. It was dismal.Trial samples - 0 Purchases - 0"Mr. Ballard, what should we do now? The malls have deliberately placed our counters in remote corners. It's clearly targeted against us," the employee exclaimed in distress. "At this rate, our counters might be removed."Sebastian sighed, his expression calm, and he smiled at the employee. "It's okay. If the malls won't let us sell, then we'll set up booths at the entrances, on the streets, in tourist spots. There's always a solution.""Ah? Mr. Ballard, this… isn't this a bit… questionable?" the employee hesitated.Sebastian replied, "There's nothing wrong with selling our products. Just do it. If the mall counters are removed, all employees will go out to sell the masks for the next two days with double pay.""Do we need to advertise and promote like Frostwave Corporation
Sebastian's martial arts prowess and his medical skills from that night had thoroughly impressed Joseph."Mr. Ballard," Joseph greeted with a bow."Mr. Ballard, please come in," Hans welcomed respectfully.Sebastian nodded and didn't hesitate to enter the hall. After taking a seat, he asked, "Mr. Wagner, what's the matter?"Hans glanced at Joseph, sighed, and then spoke with nervousness and concern, "Mr. Ballard, ever since you defeated Elliot, I've had someone inquire about him overseas."We found out that within Elliot's martial arts sect, there's a guy named Geraldine Brown, who is the top disciple of the grandmaster, Mr. Malcolm Duchanes, in Jerose! He's reputed to be the leader of Malcolm's Seven Protectors, possessing extraordinary martial arts skills!""Geraldine?" Sebastian furrowed his brow. "The Seven Protectors under Malcolm? Are they formidable?"Hans replied in a hurry, "They're not just formidable! It's said that Malcolm's overseas reputation was built on the accom
Sebastian threw his head back in laughter. He strode forward, standing in the center of the hall, and said coldly. "Ungrateful? How could you have the audacity to say such a thing?"Even if I'm surrounded by enemies, you Ballards can forget about making me submit! It's just death, after all. If I even blink, then I won't call myself a man!"Everyone there stared at Sebastian."How dare that brat be so cocky? If he's not punished, it'll be a disgrace to our family rules!""He should be given the death penalty!""It'll be a disaster if we just let him be, and it'll only bring trouble for our family. Please give the order, and we'll kill him at once!"The entire hall was in an uproar. Even Preston, who had been speaking up for Sebastian and Samson, sighed in resignation.Since Sebastian had already made his stance clear, Preston couldn't help even if he wanted to.Sebastian had roused the anger of everyone there, and Arnaud had closed his eyes and wasn't saying anything. He was cl
Sebastian was just about to step forward when Samson hastily waved a hand at him and said, "Sebastian, the grudges of the Ballard family from over ten years ago have nothing to do with you. Don't get involved!""But—"Sebastian's gaze sharpened as he turned to look at Milton. There was an icy glint in his eyes. Samson shook his head slightly at Sebastian. The Ballard Estate had at least ten experts at the eighth level of the Eldoria realm. At Sebastian's current level, trying to fight them would only bring him big trouble."Sebastian, one must learn how to adapt to the situation," Samson whispered into his ear using voice projection. "Today, I will exchange my legs for your and Whitney's freedom. Think of it as a payment for what I owe you and your mother."Sebastian clenched his fists tightly. He hated himself for being too weak. He couldn't even protect his own family in a place like the Ballard Estate, where many experts were gathered.However, he would never allow anyone to
"Do you accept it, Samson?" Arnaud asked harshly when he saw that Preston hadn't said anything else. He turned to look directly at Samson.Samson smiled bitterly and turned to look at Sebastian before raising his head to look at Arnaud, who was sitting high above them. He said, "Uncle Arnaud, I was the reason for everything that happened. I wish to ask you not to trouble Sebastian.""What are you talking about?" Preston was agitated. He stood up again and yelled, "There must still be an investigation about who was right and who was wrong. Why should they break your legs?"As he spoke, his eyes blazed with fury. He looked at the thin old man and said furiously, "Milton, you old bastard! How can you be so shameless at your age? Tell me! Did you embellish the story to Arnaud?""Uncle Preston!" Samson stopped him quickly and sighed slightly. "Forget it. It's my fault for bringing such huge trouble upon our family back then."I admit that I have let our family down. Since imprisoning m
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