Derek looked at Uncle Joseph and shook his head gently. "It's okay, Uncle J."As Joseph turned toward him, Derek continued, "I don't mind if you want us to go to the backyard. I only came because I wanted to talk to you. I'll be leaving soon.""No, Derek." Uncle Joseph's voice was firm. "This is your house. In fact, I am a father to you. You have every right to be here." He placed a heavy hand on Derek's shoulder. "You will go inside this house, and you will be treated the way a member of this family should be treated."Derek gave him a faint smile. "Uncle J...""I mean it." Joseph looked toward his wife and daughter. "The way a member of this family should be treated."Before anyone could say another word, the rumble of several powerful engines filled the compound. Everyone turned toward the open gates as one luxury vehicle after another rolled inside, polished to perfection, followed by a trailing line of cars.Anita's entire expression transformed, her eyes lighting up with sudden

The noise from the main house faded the moment Derek and Uncle Joseph stepped into the quiet shade of the backyard. Walking toward a stone sitting area beneath a sprawling tree, Joseph let out a slow, heavy breath."Derek, I want you to understand something," he began, his voice softening. "You shouldn't think my wife and Anita hate you."Derek glanced sideways at him."I know the way they behaved today wasn't right, but don't take it personally," Joseph continued, rubbing the back of his neck. "They overreact. You know how women can be."Derek offered a faint, tired smile. "Uncle J, that's actually the least of my worries."Joseph studied his face closely. He had known Derek since he was a small boy and could read every subtle shift in his expression, knowing precisely when a smile was genuine and when Derek was hiding a heavy burden. After a few seconds, a crease formed between Joseph's brows."Derek, you look pale. Are you okay?"Derek lowered himself slowly into one of the chairs.

When the day of the medical exhibition finally arrived, Derek initially had no intention of attending. His mind was consumed with far more critical matters, above all uncovering the identity of the surviving Morrison. But the mention of the Azure Flame Grass changed everything.Master Zachariah had spent years instilling in him a core principle of medicine: a true healer must always treasure rare botanical specimens. The rarer the herb, the more invaluable it became when a life hung in the balance. The Azure Flame Grass was among the rarest healing herbs in existence, and Derek knew his master would be deeply pleased if he managed to secure it.Dressing as inconspicuously as possible, Derek caught a taxi to the event.The venue was magnificent, rising like a sprawling palace surrounded by endless rows of luxury vehicles. Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, Maybachs, and an array of high-end sports cars choked the grand entrance. Derek offered a faint, amused smile at the display. He already antic

Derek was quiet for a few moments after Madeline explained the situation.The only access left was the highest-ranking one.It was not what he wanted. In fact, it was probably the last thing he wanted.Derek had not come to the exhibition for status, recognition, or the opportunity to sit among powerful people. He had no interest in being noticed. He had come for one reason only: the Azure Flame Grass.If an ordinary seat had been available, he would have taken it without hesitation. He would have walked in quietly, found a place, waited for the herb to be presented, acquired it, and left. There was no reason for him to draw attention to himself.But the situation had changed.The ordinary seats were occupied. The lower-ranking passes were gone. The only access remaining was the highest-ranking one.Derek glanced toward the entrance of the private hall, thinking about what that meant.This was not an ordinary auction where someone could simply approach the organizers afterward and pri

The moment Derek settled into the chair, the entire hall seemed to freeze.For several seconds, nobody moved. Nobody spoke. It was as though everyone had collectively forgotten what they were about to say.A man near the front stared at Derek with his mouth slightly open. The woman beside him slowly turned toward him, her expression asking the same question that was clearly running through her mind. Even some of the guests seated in the higher sections leaned forward, their attention fixed on the young man who had just taken one of the three most prestigious seats in the entire exhibition.The diamond seats.There were only three of them in the entire hall. Three seats reserved for guests whose status, influence, or connections were considered exceptional even among the powerful people attending the exhibition.And now one of them was occupied.By Derek.The silence finally broke, but the whispers that followed were filled with far more confusion than before.“He actually sat down.”“