Rosalie rolled her eyes and looked at Sebastian with a smile. "I'll be heading back first. I'll drop by later to see you."With that, she inched closer and kissed him on the cheeks when he wasn't paying attention.Sebastian frowned. When he was about to say something, Rosalie ran out happily.He sighed helplessly. At least things were peaceful since all of them had left.However, Sebastian was still thinking about what Whitney had said.Marry him again? Was it really that easy?…When Whitney stepped into Frostwave Corporation, she immediately slipped into her role as CEO and started working hard.At noon, Fergus walked into her office with a gloomy expression."Whitney, you need to give me an explanation!" Fergus said coldly to her.Whitney frowned when she saw him. She let out a breath and said, "I'm sorry, Fergus, but I can't marry you.""Is it because of Sebastian?""Yes." "Fuck! I don't get it! How is he any better than me? Is he richer than me? Is he more powerful t
When Sebastian arrived at the hospital, he spotted Collin lying in bed."How are you feeling, Mr. Sutton Senior?" Sebastian asked as he approached.Collin, with a kind smile, greeted Sebastian. "I'm fine. What brings you here all of a sudden?""Just got a call saying you were seriously ill, so I rushed over."Collin frowned at his words. "I'm perfectly fine.""That's strange," Sebastian muttered, puzzled.Collin chuckled and said, "Probably a wrong number."Sebastian nodded, not dwelling on it further. He sat down and grinned. "Mr. Sutton Senior, let me check your pulse.""Sure," Collin said kindly, extending his hand.After a brief examination, Sebastian smiled and said, "Your health seems to be in good shape."Collin nodded in agreement, chuckling softly. They began chatting casually.Collin felt thirsty, so Sebastian quickly poured him a glass of water. After taking a few sips, he suddenly looked distressed and started to tremble. Then, he spat out blood."Mr. Sutton Sen
"Sebastian?" Whitney frowned, turning to look at Sebastian by the door. She asked, "What are you doing here?""I came to check on Mr. Sutton Senior," Sebastian replied truthfully.Whitney raised an eyebrow. "Dante said you poisoned him. What's going on?""Do you really think I would do such a thing?" Sebastian asked calmly in return.Whitney's expression shifted. When she was about to respond, Dante interjected, "Who else could it be if not him?"He pointed at Sebastian and said, "You're the only one here! Grandpa was fine this morning when Mom and I were here. But the moment you show up, he gets poisoned!"Sebastian's expression darkened. "I've already said it wasn't me who poisoned him. It's that glass…"He pointed toward the bedside table where the glass should have been, but to his shock, it was missing."What glass? There's no glass there! Stop trying to talk your way out of this!" Dante yelled.Crystal chimed in, "Sebastian, we don't want to hear your excuses or explana
Sebastian fell silent for a moment before speaking earnestly, "I can only tell you that I didn't poison him. No matter what I may do, I'd never harm him. After three years of marriage, you should know what I'm like."Whitney wiped her tears, feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. "Enough, stop talking. Leave, now!"Crystal couldn't stand it anymore. "Whitney, are you out of your mind? You're letting him go? He's the one who poisoned your grandfather! He needs to be arrested and prosecuted!""Right! Arrest him!" Dante chimed in.The rest of the Sutton family joined in the clamor, demanding Sebastian be apprehended and brought to justice."That's enough!" Whitney shouted, addressing the Suttons. "Let him go! Consider it as his repayment for his help to the Sutton family!"Upon hearing that, Crystal and the others couldn't argue further."Sebastian, get out!" Crystal snapped.Sebastian shook his head in resignation and glanced at Whitney. "If there's any problem with him, you can alw
Without much thought, Sebastian began strolling along the entire street. This street, known as Steinberg's busiest crystal and antique street, was bustling with vendors and shops lining both sides. One could even see people live-streaming their bargain hunts or participating in gemstone auctions using their phones.Moreover, many people spent their days here, shuttling between shops and vendors. They were all in search of a big win, hoping to strike it rich overnight. This phenomenon was most prevalent in the gemstone shops because of one industry—gambling on stones.In this industry, a stone worth a few thousand or tens of thousands could yield a gem worth tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions. The potential for high returns came with equally high risks. Some people gambled away their entire fortunes overnight, while others became overnight millionaires.This industry required considerable expertise and knowledge, making it a risky endeavor.Sebastia
Facing Elijah's threat, Sebastian chuckled lightly. "So, now we're throwing law and order out the window in broad daylight?" he said sarcastically. "I bought this first and paid for it. Why should I give it to you? Even if you want it, you still need my consent." Elijah sneered. "Kid, it seems you won't back down until you're at death's door! In Steinberg, on this street, I get whatever I want! Law and order? I am the law and order here!" he declared arrogantly. He waved his hand and said, "Go, take it from him!"With that command, the burly bodyguard Sebastian had pushed away earlier stepped forward, cracking his knuckles and neck with a sinister smirk. "Kid, you were quite bold just now! Hand over the stone and apologize to Mr. Hilton. Otherwise, I'll break every bone in your body! You'll spend the rest of your life in bed!" he threatened.Facing the bodyguard's menacing threat, Sebastian remained calm. He weighed the stone in his hand and said, "If you want it, come and ge
"Who does he think he is to offend Mr. Hilton? This kid won't escape unscathed!" The crowd murmured, starting their discussion. Some were sympathetic, some regretful, and others gleeful at the prospect of Sebastian's misfortune.However, Sebastian remained calm and composed. He wore a faint smile. "It's okay. I refuse to believe that there's no justice left in this world."Seeing Sebastian's demeanor, the gemstone dealer could only shake his head helplessly. He prayed that the situation wouldn't escalate any further.Instead of leaving, Sebastian tossed the stone to the dealer and said, "Sir, please open it for me here.""Now?" The gemstone dealer was stunned, glancing at Sebastian and then at the furious Elijah.This kid was fearless. He actually wanted the stone to be opened right in front of Elijah."Yes," Sebastian replied calmly.Elijah became even more furious at his words. However, he immediately sneered, "What? You don't seriously think the gemstone you bought can yiel
Elmer had no choice but to open the stone when he saw Sebastian's firm decision.The onlookers started to gossip as well."This young man is brave indeed. He really wanna open it in front of Mr. Hilton.""It's very obvious his stone is junk, right? Does he really expect it to be a gemstone?""Gosh, he's gonna get his limbs broken today for sure."Sebastian remained calm even when he was faced with the onlookers' negative remarks.Elijah spoke up sarcastically, "Hey, I come from a family that specializes in gemstones. Although I'm not very capable, I'm still knowledgeable when it comes to stones. "I can predict all the stones on this street here! Yours is just junk, and it's impossible for it to bore any gem, unless the sun rises from the west."Elijah laughed loudly and thought that Sebastian was dumb enough to bet with him. Sebastian chuckled lightly and said, "Mr. Hilton, don't be too complacent and arrogant in life. What if you're mistaken?""Mistaken? Me?" Elijah chuckl
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