The hall had gone quiet after the chaos of the auction. The remaining guests were staring, frozen in disbelief, as Mrs Ella Ashburn and her entourage entered. Finn Rowe’s eyes followed her, sharp and alert, as if every movement she made carried weight beyond the ordinary. She walked with a commanding presence, her gaze fixed directly on him.“Mr Rowe saved my life many years ago,” she announced, her voice steady and unyielding. “If anyone is fit and eligible to be my fiancé, it is him and no one else.”Shock rippled through the crowd. Adrian’s jaw dropped, Elara’s eyes widened, and murmurs spread like wildfire. Finn’s lips curled into a faint smirk, though his eyes reflected the same shock as everyone else. Engagement with the Ashburn family? That was not something anyone had expected.The crowd’s whispers rose in intensity. “Engaged to the Ashburns?” one of the businessmen asked in disbelief. “How is that possible?”Ella’s gaze softened slightly as she addressed the hall. “Years ago,

Finn Rowe and Mrs Ella Ashburn stepped away from the crowd, moving toward the quiet lounge at the far end of the hall. The glow of the chandeliers above reflected off the polished floors, but Elara’s eyes burned with envy. She could not remain idle. Every step they took seemed to intensify her anger and frustration. She straightened her posture and marched toward Finn with calculated confidence.“You got the VIP trial card because of your engagement with Ella, didn’t you?” Elara demanded, her voice sharp and cutting through the remaining murmurs of the crowd.Her stepmother, standing just behind her, shook her head and added with venom, “First you leech off our family, now her family. You spend your whole life feeding off women. Aren’t you pathetic?”Finn turned his head slightly to glance at her, the corners of his lips barely lifting in amusement. Ella’s hand shot out, commanding one of her men. A sharp slap landed on the stepmother’s cheek, leaving her stunned and sputtering.“Do yo

The city lights stretched out like a river of gold as the car glided smoothly through the quiet streets. Inside, the atmosphere was calm, almost serene, yet tension simmered beneath the surface. Finn Rowe sat in the passenger seat, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery, while Mrs Ella Ashburn adjusted her grip on the wheel, stealing glances at him from time to time.“I want to be honest with you,” Ella said after a long pause, her voice soft but firm. “I like you, Mr Rowe. I am interested in you. I think we should date. Maybe… eventually get married.”Finn blinked, startled. He turned toward her, his lips parting slightly in shock. He had expected many things from the evening, many challenges, many confrontations, but not this direct, bold declaration. His mind raced as he tried to formulate a response that would not betray his composure.Before he could speak, a presence in the front seat made itself known. Ella’s aunt, sitting upright, had been listening intently the entire time. He

The room began to react as the transfer took place. Lights flickered violently, and the ground trembled beneath them. It was subtle at first, almost imperceptible, then the tremors intensified. Finn felt the vibrations pass through his body, his senses sharpening, his strength amplifying. He could feel the flow of energy inside him, bending and shaping itself to his will.His mind raced, absorbing the lessons faster than he could comprehend. The Grand Sovereign’s voice echoed in his consciousness, guiding him with precision. “Control your breath, control your core, expand your limit. Let the energy move as your mind wills it. Do not resist, do not fight. Master it, and you will master everything else.”Finn closed his eyes, focusing entirely on the waves of golden energy wrapping around him. He could feel the physical and mental limits of his body being rewritten, muscles strengthening, reflexes sharpening, and his perception accelerating. Movements that had once taken thought now flo

The Grand Sovereign’s gaze softened for a brief moment. "Good. Remember, power without wisdom is dangerous. Your first trial has shown wisdom, your second trial will test your vigilance. Only when both are complete will you be ready to inherit the full mantle of the Grand Sovereign’s legacy."Finn felt a surge of confidence. "I will not let you down, grandfather. I will protect her and succeed in both trials."Mrs China gave a nod of approval. "Then there is nothing more to discuss here. Your path begins immediately. Prepare yourself, Mr Rowe."Finn took one last look at his grandfather, his heart steady. "I will begin now. I am ready."Mrs China stepped aside, allowing him to leave the room. "May your instincts be sharp and your mind clear. Time is not your ally, Mr Rowe. Use every second wisely."Finn’s footsteps echoed as he walked toward the exit, his mind focused entirely on the challenge ahead. The second trial was not just about protecting Ella. It was a test of strategy, patie