"Alistair Reid..." Marianne whispered, her fingers tracing the edge of her jade wine glass until fine cracks appeared in the crystal. "How interesting. A nameless dragon sleeping in a small pond.""Your Majesty, what are our orders?" Samuel asked desperately. "Should I request reinforcements from the Royal Enforcement Division? Grandmaster Elders?""No," Marianne commanded coldly, her sharp mind already shifting pieces across the continental chessboard. "If he truly possesses power beyond the High-Master realm, sending mere elders will only humiliate our lineage further. Besides... The arranged marriage with the Shadow Royal Family of Arcadia cannot be delayed much longer. Lord Shadow has already sent word that his grandson will soon finalize his worldly trials."A dark, calculating smile touched the Queen's lips as she gazed out over her frozen empire."You may return to the Capital," Marianne ordered smoothly. "As for this Alistair Reid... send the shadow intelligence unit to invest

Elizabeth took the wheel of her white executive sedan, navigating through the quiet, leafy avenues of Haven's northern district. With the morning sun shining bright and the looming threat of the demonic cultivators temporarily suppressed, the air felt lighter than it had in weeks.Upon their arrival at the hospital, Elizabeth led Alistair to Caleb's private medical ward, which he was sharing with Donald. Pushing open the doors, Alistair walked in to find Caleb Bolton seated upright on his bed, a steaming cup of herbal tea in his hands. Though pale and bearing bandages beneath his silk robe, the sharp, formidable glint had returned to the old patriarch’s eyes.Across from him sat Donald Bolton, looking far better rested, his breathing steady as he reviewed a stack of financial documents."Grandpa, Dad—look who I brought," Elizabeth called out as she stepped into the room.Both men immediately looked up.The moment Caleb saw Alistair walk in, his expression transformed from calm digni

Alistair turned and walked toward the suite’s balcony doors, looking through the glass down at the quiet hospital courtyard below. Two elite guards from Isabella’s private force stood hidden among the manicured hedges, their sharp eyes scanning the perimeter with unyielding vigilance.Satisfied that the floor was completely secure, Alistair exited the VIP suite, shutting the door behind him with a subtle, metallic click.As he walked down the quiet marble corridor toward the elevators, he retrieved his phone and dialled Master Xie's number.It rang only once before Master Xie picked.“Master Reid.”“Has there been any movement from Elder Kuro's associates?” Alistair asked.Master Xie replied. “Not at all, Master Reid. In fact, Elder Zhao has reason to believe that the demonic cultivators currently in Haven have gone into hiding. It's most likely that with their eyes and ears in the Beggars sect gone, they don't dare to make themselves known anymore.”“That's to be expected.”“Indeed,

Jacob raised his head and immediately called out. “Big sis, save me!” He tried to rush to her side but the officers held him down. “What do you think you are doing? Let my brother go this instant!” Elizabeth ordered.“I'm sorry, Miss Bolton but that won't be possible. Your brother has committed a vile act and he has to be punished. The only reason I allowed him to call you here is because I respect the Bolton family and everything they have done for this city.” The middle aged inspector remarked.“What are you talking about? What did my brother do?” Elizabeth questioned. The inspector sighed. “Miss Bolton, your brother assaulted and forced himself on the daughter of a member of Parliament, Veronica Beckham.” “What!?” Elizabeth could hardly believe her ears.Her brother had assaulted a woman?“Big sis, it's a lie, I swear it's a huge lie. I never even touched her!” Jacob cried out.Elizabeth felt the room tilt slightly beneath her heels, her chest tightening as the inspector's word

"Well, Inspector?" Elizabeth asked, her voice laced with absolute contempt. "Does this meet your high standards of evidence? Or should I forward this directly to the Commissioner and the Chief of Police along with your badge number?"The inspector swallowed hard, his throat dry as bone. "Miss Bolton... I... I was simply acting on the initial report—""Save it," Elizabeth cut him off sharply. She turned to the two officers holding Jacob. "Unchain my brother. Immediately."The officers didn't hesitate.They practically fumbled with the key, unclipping the handcuffs and stepping back.Jacob rubbed his wrists, stumbling forward and throwing his arms around Elizabeth. "Big sis... thank you. I swear I didn't do anything, I swear...""I know, Jacob. Hush now, it's over," Elizabeth murmured soft words of comfort, patting his back before turning her sharp eyes back onto Victoria, who was now trembling violently on the sofa.Elizabeth tucked the phone into her own purse. "This phone stays with