Ashton grasped Howard's wrist and slapped him in one swift movement. The force instantly knocked out three of his teeth. One side of his face was swollen."If this happens again, you'll be confined to bed permanently."Ashton turned around and left.Howard and Florence sat on the ground, holding their heads and crying. Fortunately, they were at the hospital entrance, so the staff immediately took them inside.On the third floor, the surgical ward.Alora limped into the ward; she was startled when she saw them."What happened to both of you? How did you end up like this?"Alora frowned. There was not a single healthy individual in the Latham family; everyone was injured or limping.Florence was lying in bed, crying in pain—her head, hands, and feet wrapped in bandages."Sis, you almost lost your mom." Howard covered his cheek as he spoke with a lisp due to the missing teeth."What happened? Who did you cross paths with?" Alora was anxious and angry."Sis, do Mom and I look li

The position of chief pharmacist and shareholder of La Verdure Pill are titles shimmering with immense prestige, unattainable for the layman.Alora was most confused by Ashton's sudden move into pharmaceutical research despite her pride in knowing him well. Weirder was why the Lockwood family included him in La Verdure Pill's shareholders.At that point, Alora remembered an incident. Her company was developing a beauty and health product at the time, during its nascent stages. Choosing the right ingredients was stressful, but Ashton's casual suggestion solved her problem."Why don't you replace the scarlet runner bean with thunbergia?"She even argued with him over his suggestion, chastising him for engaging in uninformed pharmaceutical research. She was surprised to find that replacing the scarlet runner bean with thunbergia rectified the issues of irritation and unwanted scent in the product, improving it.Naturally, she never mentioned it again or thanked him, assuming his word

The air was tense and charged, only broken by the shuffling feet of several men as they forced Ashton to the recruit training grounds, a sinister site. A man quickly grabbed ropes from a tool shed, and another brought a basin filled with chili water. Their movements were deft and well-practiced, suggesting it was a familiar task.Ashton's expression froze, and he exuded a subtle, icy aura when the group got serious.After Ashton was taken, Jacie quickly informed Doctor Taylor, Miss Lockwood, and the Scott family—anyone she could reach."These people dare to act so boldly in South Edren?" Anthony was dumbfounded upon receiving the news.Leonard laughed. "I wonder if we are rescuing Mister Levin or those ignorant fools." Mister Levin could kill with a mere flick of his finger. How many people in South Edren could stand against him?"I heard it's the people from the frontier war zone. We should inform the Lockwood family; it's better if the general from the Lockwood family steps forw

Wyatt Xenakis had lived a full life, had encountered women of all sorts, and had been involved with many. However, the warrior in white had stormed right into his heart. It was true love; he was sure of it. For the first time in his life, the once steadfast bachelor, Wyatt, harbored thoughts of romance. Even Walter was dumbfounded.The woman was gorgeous, and her captivating elegance drew the gaze of everyone present. Wyatt could not blink. After not seeing Aislinn for several years, Ashton had to admit that she had changed significantly in demeanor. In the past, even though she held a high position in the Imperial Capital, she was more joyful and free-spirited due to being with him. It looked like she had matured into a woman who could stand on her own. He hoped her explosive temper had been mellowed. Otherwise, marriage seemed a distant dream.While he was in those thoughts, Wyatt had already approached her. "Welcome to the Southern Pass war zone, my beautiful lady. I am Wyatt, the

"A friend?" Aislinn followed his gaze with curiosity."A former wife," Ashton said.Aislinn, astonished, glanced again. "Her? Seriously?""I thought maybe someone of extraordinary beauty had swept you away from me, but it seemed it was just a woman smothered in garish makeup." She harbored utter disdain for such a commonplace woman, particularly one so blinded by judgment and marked by irrationality.Aislinn was about to stand when Ashton grabbed her arm."Never mind. Let's enjoy our meal and not let this affect us," he said.Unhappy, Aislinn sat down.She had planned to confront and demean the other woman.To have an unmatched treasure and not value it. She even divorced him? Such audacity was thoughtless."Look at you. Are you even a warrior goddess now?"Aislinn curled her lip with an air of indifference.Regardless of her power and imposing presence, she was just a jealous little girl trying to right wrongs before that extraordinary man from years ago. That would never c