Wesley had parked a full sixty transport trucks on the main road outside the sand quarry. The sheer mass of the blockade meant even a fleet of industrial tow trucks would have found it impossible to clear the passage. He wanted to display his absolute power to every construction developer in Cresthaven, ensuring they understood his dominance and would obediently purchase all their materials exclusively from him."Are you friends of Mr. Lawson?" Brent asked in a hushed, careful tone as he looked up at the towering, intimidating figure of Gideon."We are," Gideon nodded slowly, his expression serious."You really should not get involved in this mess," Brent warned with genuine concern in his eyes. "Wesley is backed by the Iron Blades Syndicate, and he brought over a hundred armed men with him today. If a real fight breaks out, you will be heavily outnumbered and suffer for it. Besides, there is absolutely no way we can move those dozens of massive trucks blocking the fr

After resolving the chaotic situation at the quarry, Elias Vance made his way back home, intending to spend a quiet afternoon with Elena Croft. However, the moment he stepped through the front gate of the courtyard, he was met with a scene of intense frustration.Leo Croft was storming out of the yard, his face twisted in absolute fury. He was limping heavily, his movements jerky and aggressive as he pushed past the threshold.Maya Brooks was hurrying anxiously right behind him, her voice filled with concern as she pleaded with him to slow down and be careful not to fall."When our parents died in that horrible car accident, not a single person from the Croft family bothered to show up!" Leo shouted, his voice thick with a mixture of bitter resentment and profound grief. "Now that the land where Everheart Orphanage sits has skyrocketed in value, they suddenly show up at our doorstep? They have the nerve to talk about us reclaiming our place in the family and returning

Early the next morning, Elias Vance practiced calligraphy, writing four characters on rice paper: "Gaze Toward the East," signed only "Vance." He rarely gifted his calligraphy, let alone with his name, but he felt these words perfectly suited the elderly woman he was about to visit. The phrase came from Emperor Adrian, symbolizing his unyielding ambition.After ordering Gideon to have it mounted as a traditional scroll, Gideon asked, "Marshal Vance, shouldn't we escort you?""No need," Elias replied. Bringing his formidable subordinates would be inappropriate for a family gathering."Are you sure about going alone?" Harper Sullivan asked.Elias smiled faintly. "Are you worried about me?""We would never dare!" they replied in unison, realizing how absurd the concern was. No ordinary threat could possibly endanger Elias."Elena Croft is simply returning home to reclaim her place in the family and celebrate her grandmother's birthday," Elias explained. "I