The old man let out a soft chuckle. His voice was still hoarse, but his breathing had become far more stable.“Medical arts?” he repeated slowly, as if tasting the words. “Kid… what you just did was no ordinary medicine.”With Alex’s help, he slowly straightened his back. His gaze was sharp, full of life experience, yet it also carried deep gratitude.“Then, if I may ask, what is this old man’s name? Perhaps… if you truly wish to recover, you can be completely healed.”“C-completely healed?”Alex nodded as realization dawned on him. This old man… perhaps he was Olivia’s grandfather.“My name isn’t important,” the old man continued. “What matters is that you saved my life.”Alex was about to reply, but the old man grasped his wrist first. The grip was weak, yet his resolve was firm.“Kid,” he said sincerely, “I have nothing to repay you with. But I do have a granddaughter.”Alex fell silent for a moment. The pedestrians who were still nearby instinctively exchanged glances.“Sir…?” Ale

Alex and Candra left the herbal shop without looking back.The door closed behind them. The small bell above the entrance chimed softly, then its sound was swallowed by the bustle of the late afternoon street.Inside the car, silence filled the space.Candra drove calmly, his gaze fixed ahead, occasionally glancing at the rearview mirror. Alex sat in the back seat, eyes half-closed—not from exhaustion, but to organize the flow of his thoughts.“All the main ingredients are complete,” Candra finally reported. “Top quality. No contamination.”“Good,” Alex replied briefly.The car drove out of the city, heading toward a quiet house on the outskirts. Trees along the road gradually gave way to tall fences and large houses spaced far apart.Not long after, the gate opened.The car stopped in the backyard.As soon as he stepped out, Alex headed straight toward a small building beside the house—a new room he would use for his new business.The refining room.The room was still empty, promptin

Alex fell silent for a moment after the call ended. When the phone screen dimmed, the room returned to silence.He stood by the window, gazing at the darkening sky. His thoughts moved quickly, yet his face remained calm. There was no regret, no hesitation.“Just a banquet,” he murmured softly. “Arrive, sit, then leave.”He slipped his phone back into his pocket.The decision had been made.*The next day.Alex came alone. No Candra. No escort. No flashy car. Just a simple sedan stopping in front of the grand gates of the Paula family residence.The house was magnificent and classical, with a vast courtyard and orderly security. Guests were beginning to arrive, dressed formally, wearing polished smiles shaped by personal interests.Alex stepped out of the car.A simple black jacket, a white shirt without a tie. His appearance was calm, clean—almost too ordinary for a place this luxurious.Yet his steps were steady.He had barely walked a few meters past the gate.“Stop.”The voice came

The invitation was raised high in the air.Not as a threat. Not as a display of power.Just a single sheet of paper—yet enough to make several faces turn pale.Some guests exchanged glances. Some whispered more quietly. Others fell completely silent. That name was Jack Paula—not just anyone in this family. Too influential to ignore, too sensitive to openly dispute.But Agra did not back down.Instead, he smiled faintly—the smile of someone accustomed to applying pressure through the smallest cracks.“Invitations can be forged,” he said lightly. “Especially when it’s just a piece of paper.”Abel seized the opportunity at once. He snatched it from Alex’s hand and tore it into two pieces.Riiip!“Exactly,” he added. “Anyone can claim they met Olivia’s grandfather. With his current condition, there are no witnesses. Who would see Grandpa Paula walking to deliver an invitation himself? Especially to trash like him!”Victor did not speak, but he stepped forward half a pace. His silence felt

The side door of the hall opened without a loud sound.Yet the footsteps that entered were enough to make several people instinctively straighten their backs.Sofian.The middle-aged man wore a simple dark gray suit. His hair was neatly combed back, his face calm—far too calm for someone who had come carrying a storm. He walked in unhurriedly, then stopped three steps away from Jack Paula.He bowed deeply.“Chairman,” he said briefly.Jack Paula gave a small nod. No lengthy greeting. No pleasantries.Then something happened that made several people visibly startled.Sofian turned around.And bowed again.This time, toward Alex.“Mr… Mr. Sofian?” Olivia looked at her father, seeking an explanation.But Jack Son could only raise his shoulders slightly. This was too sudden. Although the bow was not as deep as before, it was unmistakable—done with full awareness. Sofian had indeed bowed.That small gesture caused silent whispers to erupt.“Who is he?”“Why would Sofian…?”“Isn’t Sofian th