On the ride back to the company, Serena's expression was bleak. She stared out the window without speaking, her jaw set tight. Anyone abandoned by their own family would feel that way, and Aaron could see the weight of it pressing down on her."Serena, you really didn't have to speak up for me," Aaron said. He had no idea how to comfort her, but he meant it. Even if the Four Founding Families joined forces with the Northern Sovereign himself, they still wouldn't be a match for him. Let alone a handful of lesser houses."It has nothing to do with you," Serena replied, her voice flat with disappointment. "My uncle and second uncle have completely bought into whatever the Great Families told them. They're willing to do anything now if it means securing a seat among the Four Founding Families for the Vales."There was a bitterness in her tone that went deeper than frustration. She looked genuinely hurt."Securing a seat among the Four Founding Families isn't that sim

More than twenty people stood frozen in place, visibly shaken.What kind of look was that? Cold, bloodthirsty, radiating an aura like an emperor descending upon the mortal world, surveying all beneath him with absolute contempt. One man facing over thirty opponents without a flicker of fear, and somehow it was the thirty who found themselves stunned into hesitation."Kid, I'm telling you to step aside. We don't want blood today," one of them called out."You're welcome to try." Aaron's expression remained perfectly calm, dismissing everything before him as though it were beneath his notice.He hadn't spared these thirty-odd men a second thought. Opponents at this level posed no threat to him, not even if their numbers doubled."Kid, do you have any idea who we are?" The leader strode forward, a mocking smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth as he addressed Aaron."I'm not interested."Aaron's refusal came without hesitation."Very good." Th

"All right."Serena's cheeks flushed slightly as she spoke, her voice carrying a hint of embarrassment that she tried to hide. The atmosphere between them had become much more relaxed after the earlier conversation, and the faint smile on her face made her look softer than usual.Aaron noticed her expression and couldn't help but smile. He walked over to the wine cabinet, carefully selected a bottle, and brought it back to the table."Let's have some red wine tonight," he said casually. "It's been a while since we've had a quiet evening like this."He opened the bottle of Romanée and poured two glasses. The rich aroma of the wine slowly filled the room as they talked about ordinary things, sharing small moments that felt surprisingly peaceful.After several rounds, warmth had spread across Serena's face. Her eyes carried a slight drunken haze, and her usual seriousness had faded. She leaned back slightly, holding her glass as she looked at Aaron with

Aaron Holmes knew the Vale family was planning a victory banquet for Serena Vale, but it was clear their intentions weren't sincere. It was nothing more than a conspiracy, and the purpose behind it was obvious.Anyone in Haven City with half a brain could see through it.It was all about the joint project between Vale Group and Riverstone Corp.By hosting this banquet for Serena, the Vale family was announcing to everyone in Haven City that Serena still belonged to them. Even Vale Group itself was part of the Vale family. When the time came for the Founders' Assembly, people would cast their votes for the Vales out of respect for Riverstone Corp.It was a calculated move, no question about it.The distance from the Westhaven State border to Haven City wasn't particularly far. With everyone traveling light and every green light in their favor, they could make it in five hours at most.After finishing lunch, Aaron rested for a while. When he noticed the s

"Lord Holmes, please don't take this risk!"Coldwraith's expression was unusually serious as he spoke. Although he was not a member of Reaper, he was far from an ordinary person. As a first-rate reconnaissance specialist, he had been forged through countless dangerous missions and harsh training. His ability to gather intelligence, analyze threats, and respond to emergencies was among the best.Now that he had taken on the role of Aaron's personal driver, his greatest responsibility was ensuring Aaron's safety. No matter how powerful Aaron was, Coldwraith could not simply stand by and allow him to walk into danger without caution."It's fine." Aaron waved his hand calmly, his expression unchanged. "Have the men from the Westhaven border arrived?"He had no intention of treating those so-called Great Families as a genuine threat. To him, they were nothing more than a group of people overestimating their own strength. Their schemes and struggles might seem signific