2025-01-20 14:19:41“Then why are you here?” she demanded, believing he was just lying.
“To attend the auction,” Raymond replied simply, his voice steady.
Immediately Dahlia’s jaw tightened, disbelief flashing across her face. “You’re attending the auction?” she repeated, as if the words themselves were ridiculous. “Raymond, do you even hear yourself? You’re making a fool of yourself. Just return the card and stop this before it gets worse.”
Raymond’s gaze remained steady, his voice calm but firm.
“I don’t need your concern, Dahlia. You’ve already made it clear where we stand.”
Seeing Raymond's attitude Caleb smirked with disdain.
“You should leave,” he said, his tone dripping with superiority. “This place isn’t for people like you. You’ll only embarrass yourself further. And Dahlia—stop wasting your time on him. The last thing you need is to be associated with his mess. It’s wise of you to have dumped him. No women would like to be with such trash!”
However, before Raymond could respond, a voice cut through the noise like a blade.
“Darling, sorry for keeping you waiting!” the voice said, warm and intimate.
Immediately the crowd turned in unison as Malisa stepped into view, her presence commanding instant attention.
She was strikingly beautiful, her tailored dress highlighting her graceful figure. Her sharp eyes carried a quiet authority.
Compared to her, even Dahlia’s polished appearance seemed dimmed, her usual poise suddenly overshadowed.
Malisa’s strides were confident, purposeful, and as she reached Raymond, she slipped her arm through his with effortless familiarity, and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, her smile teasing but affectionate.
Immediately Raymond’s eyes widened for a moment, but he quickly understood her intent.
She was trying to help him. He said nothing, choosing instead to play along, though the unexpected closeness sent a faint ripple of unease through him.
At that moment Celeb’s smirk froze, his confidence faltering as he processed what was happening. His eyes flickered between Malisa and Raymond, disbelief clouding his expression.
Dahlia’s lips parted, her voice barely above a whisper. “Darling?” she echoed, the word hanging in the air.
Malisa turned to face her, her sharp eyes gleaming with an almost imperceptible smirk. “Yes, darling,” she said, her tone dripping with gentle mockery. “Is there a problem?”
The crowd, initially silent, began whispering in shock and envy.
Malisa’s beauty and elegance were impossible to ignore, and the way she clung to Raymond with such intimacy shattered the image they had of him as “just a nobody.”
“She’s stunning,” another murmured, their eyes fixed on Malisa.
“How did he…?”Caleb, standing stiffly beside Dahlia, clenched his jaw.
Dahlia’s composure faltered, her fists clenching at her sides. “Raymond,” she began, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and something else—jealousy. “So, this is why you’re here? You’ve… moved on so quickly?”
Before Raymond could respond, Malisa tightened her grip on his arm and leaned closer, her head tilting toward his shoulder.
“We were planning to keep things quiet for a little while,” she said smoothly, her eyes twinkling with feigned innocence. “But I suppose there’s no point in hiding it now.”
Dahlia’s face flushed red, her jealousy barely concealed beneath her anger.
Caleb stood rigid, his eyes narrowing as he watched Malisa lean into Raymond with an easy familiarity. The way she rested her hand lightly on his arm, the warmth in her tone when she addressed him—it all struck a nerve.
He couldn't believe that right after being dumped by Dahlia, Raymond was, already appearing close to a woman who was, frankly, breathtaking.
However he couldn't hide his anger anymore.
“ Well I will advise you to stay away from that man.”
Celeb pointed at Raymond.
“He's poor and useless, and I don't understand whatever he must have said to you, he's a liar and don't allow him to trick you.”
At that moment Malisa's jaw tightened.
“ Do I look like someone who can be tricked in your eyes? Malisa Black, senior director of Sky High Bank, I'm smarter than that.”
Upon hearing what Malisa just said, Caleb’s eyes widened in shock.
“Senior director of Sky High Bank?”
He couldn't believe what he just heard. Sky High Bank is just the largest in the country and has businesses spanning all over the world. Though his family was one of the four major families in the city, they were still nothing compared to the Sky High Bank, that’s why he only managed to get their platinum card.
While as the senior director of the bank, Malisa even has the power to decide on major investments and partnerships in this city.
And he couldn't believe such a woman was clinging onto that bastard!
He glanced at Raymond, his eyes narrowing, then whispered to Dahlia who was still in shock.
“It all makes sense now,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “He was able to get away from the card thief, and get his way here all because of her.”
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
Embracing Wealth: The Exceptional Raymond Lawson Chapter 7
Dahlia’s hands tightened around her clutch, but she forced her face to remain calm, trying to ignore the fact that Raymond had moved on with someone who looked far more capable and connected than she had imagined.But so what? He was still trying to rely on women to make a living.Thinking of that, a hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes. She snorted, forcing herself to look away, and entered the hall with Caleb.As they entered the glittering hall, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Chandeliers cast a warm glow over the room, and the murmurs of influential voices filled the space. They knew the kind of connection Caleb, and his family can control.And they would do anything to be in his favor for any kind of collaboration from them.Caleb, standing tall beside Dahlia, soaked it all in. His self-assured smirk widened as several guests approached them, eager to greet him.“Mr. Caleb!” A middle-aged man in a tailored suit extended his hand with a wide smile. “It’s an honor t
Embracing Wealth: The Exceptional Raymond Lawson Chapter 8
Upon hearing what Raymond just said.Caleb’s face darkened, his jaw tightening as he glared at Raymond. It was clearly a deliberate provocation to him. “Yours? Well, let’s see how you can get it, loser!” He smirked scornfully, already planning to teach him a harsh lesson later.His fingers tapped rhythmically against the armrest of his chair as resentment bubbled beneath his composed exterior. The other guests exchanged amused glances, their laughter muffled but unmistakable. They whispered among themselves, eager to witness the inevitable embarrassment they believed Raymond was walking into.“Such arrogance,” one man muttered, shaking his head. “Let’s see how he plans to follow through.”“I know he’s all talk,” another woman said, leaning in to her companion. “This will be entertaining.”Not long after the auction finally began, the room fell into an anticipatory hush as the first items were introduced. Lavish jewelry, rare antiques, and expensive art pieces were displayed one a
Embracing Wealth: The Exceptional Raymond Lawson Chapter 9
The number echoed across the hall, silencing the faint murmurs. immediately gasps rippled through the crowd, their admiration palpable. “Such generosity,” someone whispered, their tone full of awe. “No wonder he’s part of the Blake family,” another chimed in. Meanwhile, Caleb basked in the praise, already imagining the ring being placed in his hands. The room had gone silent. No one dared to outbid him, knowing it was just a waste of time. But just as the auctioneer prepared to call out the final sale, a calm, steady voice interrupted. “Ten million.” Immediately the room froze. All heads turned in unison toward Raymond, their expressions ranging from shock to disbelief. “Did… did he just…?” someone stammered, their voice trailing off. “Is he serious?” another whispered, eyes wide with astonishment. Upon hearing what Raymond just said, Caleb leaned back in his chair, his smirk growing wider with each passing moment. His eyes darted between Raymond and Malisa, convinced th
Embracing Wealth: The Exceptional Raymond Lawson Chapter 10
Raymond glanced at Caleb, sneered. “You can verify all you want, I'm not stopping you.” Upon hearing what Raymond just said, some of the guests gaze at him disgustingly. “Look at him, acting all high and mighty,” sneered a voice from the crowd. “Who does he think he's fooling?" another chimed in. “We all remember how he lived off Dahlia's money before he got a divorce.” Immediately more whispers rippled through the gathering. “A man who couldn't even keep his own house running, now claims to have such wealth?” “Pathetic,” someone spat. “He'll embarrass himself, just wait and see,” another voice called out. However Through it all, Raymond stood still, his face a mask of serenity. Their words, sharp as they were, couldn't pierce the quiet certainty he carried within. However Dahlia watched from the sidelines, shaking her head at her ex-husband's display. Deep down, she knew Raymond didn't have that kind of money - it was just another one of his elaborate acts that would end
Embracing Wealth: The Exceptional Raymond Lawson Chapter 11
Upon hearing what Mr.Drake just said.Caleb stood frozen, his face drained of all color. His mind raced as Mr.Drake’s words echoed in his head. Kicked out of the association? Without being told he knew the importance, the implications were catastrophic. The business connections, the influence, the deals—it was all tied to the association. Losing that membership would cripple his family’s business.“President Drake,” Caleb stammered, stepping forward with desperation in his eyes. “Please, this must be a misunderstanding. I was only trying to maintain order. I didn’t mean to—”Immediately Mr.Drake’s icy glare cut him off. “Enough,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Your actions tonight have embarrassed this institution.” His gaze flicked toward Raymond, making the tension in the room even heavier.At that moment Caleb swallowed hard, his knees threatening to buckle. “I’ll make it right,” he pleaded. “Please, President Drake, reconsider—”But Drake didn't even flinch. Wi
Embracing Wealth: The Exceptional Raymond Lawson Chapter 12
Raymond leaned back slightly, his brows furrowing as he studied the man standing before him.Drake’s demeanor was unexpected—calm, composed, and, surprisingly, respectful. For someone with his reputation, Raymond had anticipated arrogance or at least a hint of superiority.Then Raymond opened his mouth to speak, but before he could form the words, Drake raised a hand, his expression unchanging but firm. “Master. Raymond,” he began, his voice low and steady, “this isn’t the place for the conversation we need to have. I’d prefer we continue this in private.”Hearing what Drake just said, Raymond’s eyes narrowed slightly, suspicion flickering across his face. “Private? What’s this about?”Drake’s lips curved into a faint, polite smile. “All will be explained, I assure you. But for now, let’s move to a more appropriate setting.”Raymond hesitated before nodding curtly. “Lead the way.”He had a strong feeling that whatever Drake was about to say had something to do with his past.Drake n
Embracing Wealth: The Exceptional Raymond Lawson Chapter 13
Raymond frowned, his skepticism clear. “A key? To what? It’s just a ring.”Immediately Drake shook his head, a faint smile touching his lips as if he had expected this response. “It contains energy, Master Raymond. A power your family has safeguarded for generations. But it’s dormant—waiting for the right moment and the right person to awaken it.”Hearing what Drake just said, Raymond’s confusion deepened, his gaze shifting between the ring and Drake. “And you think I’m the right person?”“I know you are,” Drake replied firmly. “But to access it, we need something only you can provide—your blood.”Raymond stiffened, leaning back slightly. “My blood? What are you planning to do with it?”“Only what’s necessary,” Drake said calmly. “The ring was crafted to respond to your lineage. A single drop of your blood will awaken it. Trust me—this isn’t something to fear. It’s something to embrace.”However Raymond hesitated, the weight of Drake’s words pressing down on him. He glanced at the
Embracing Wealth: The Exceptional Raymond Lawson Chapter 14
As quickly as the thought came, it vanished, replaced by an unshakable certainty.“I can do this,” he thought, his jaw tightening with resolve. “This technique was meant for someone with exceptional talent. And I’m one of the rare few who can control it.”A sharp glint flashed in his eyes, and in that instant, his entire aura changed. It was as if something deep inside him had awakened—a force so powerful that the air around him seemed to grow heavier. A chilling pressure radiated from him, enough to make an ordinary person instinctively step back.Yet, beneath this newfound power, he could still feel it—that invisible shackle in his mind, something holding him back, suppressing what he had lost. His memories were locked away behind this barrier, and until he broke through, he would never truly know who he was.But he had a lead now. The information he got from the ring had revealed a path: to undo the seal, he needed ten ancient herbs, ones so precious they were almost impossible t
Latest Chapter
Chapter 75
The light flickered across the walls, casting long shadows of Maxwell, who stood, his fingers tapping against the other as he contemplated the path before him.“A place in the Alchemy Association,” he whispered to himself, the words hanging in the air like a promise.For any alchemist worth their salt, the Association represented the pinnacle of their craft. Maxwell had heard the stories since he was a boy—alchemists who joined their ranks no longer scrounged through misty forests at dawn for rare moon blossoms or bartered with suspicious merchants for dragon scale powder. The Association provided everything: rare ingredients, ancient texts, and the collective wisdom of generations.He couldn't believe he would be getting all of this, just to say the opposite of what he said earlier.At that moment Maxwell closed his eyes, picturing himself in the grand hall of the Association, surrounded by the greatest minds of the era, sharing discoveries over goblets of spiced wine. No more lonel
Chapter 74
Some people leaned forward in anticipation. Others frowned in disbelief.But one thing was clear: something about Raymond’s plain wooden box had stirred the attention of the banquet’s most knowledgeable man.And now… everyone wanted to know if it was fake or real.At that moment Waylon folded his arms, a confident grin forming on his face as Maxwell stood close to the chairman with focused steps. Though Maxwell’s interest puzzled many, Waylon remained convinced—there was no way Raymond's pill could outshine his. Even if it was real, how could it possibly compare to a gift from a second-level alchemist? So instead of stopping Maxwell, Waylon turned toward Raymond and sneered. “Well then, Raymond,” he said, loud enough for everyone to hear, “do you even dare to let Mr. Maxwell inspect it? Or are you just hoping no one looks too closely at your little trinket?” More laughter rippled through the hall. “Probably bought it from some back alley.” “He doesn’t look nervous at all… maybe
Chapter 73
Raymond stood quietly near the center of the hall, his presence calm, his posture straight, yet utterly unbothered by the awe swirling around Waylon’s pill. While guests gasped and praised the rarity of a second-level alchemist’s work, Raymond’s eyes drifted lazily toward the pill inside the jade box. With just one glance, that was all he needed. From the texture, the glow, and the faint medicinal scent in the air, he immediately saw through it—it was indeed made by a second-level alchemist, but the refining process lacked purity. The spiritual energy was unstable, the balance flawed. It would barely extend a life by two or three years at best, and if taken carelessly, might even cause internal disruption to someone with delicate meridians. It was flashy, but hollow, Raymond showed no admiration. No awe. Not even a raised brow. He simply stood in silence, hands behind his back. And that silence… was noticed. Waylon, still basking in the praise, caught the lack of expression fro
Chapter 72
Upon noticing the shift in the room Several guests turned at once. “Isn’t that Young Master Waylon from the Lancaster family?” “He looks... unusually proud today.” “What’s he planning?” However Waylon didn’t disappoint, and seeing all eyes on him, made his shoulder raise even more. This was what he wanted in the first place, attention, full attention, and he was getting it. With his head and shoulders raised even higher like a peacock He marched straight toward the stage where Malisa’s grandfather stood and, with a theatrical bow, extended a jade box in both hands, his voice intentionally loud enough for everyone to hear. “This year, I’ve prepared a very special gift for the chairman,” Waylon declared, full of flourish. “A gift I know no one in this room would even come close to beating.” At that moment he allowed his words to hit everyone before he continued. “A pill personally crafted by a second-level alchemist.” Upon hearing what Waylon just said Gasps er
Chapter 71
The grand banquet hall buzzed with quiet conversations and elegant laughter as Raymond followed Malisa further inside. The soft hum of string instruments drifted from a raised platform near the stage, and the scent of fine cuisine lingered in the air. Then came a sudden voice, full of excitement. “Brother Raymond!” Immediately a man rushed over in a finely tailored navy-blue suit—young, well-groomed, and practically glowing with energy. It was Malisa’s cousin, the one Raymond had told what he needed to do to treat his fertility problems. “Brother Raymond, you’re amazing!” he blurted out, his eyes shining. “That prescription you gave me—it worked! I mean, it really worked!” He leaned in a little closer and lowered his voice conspiratorially. “Not only did it fix the problem, but I feel stronger than I ever did before. Like… really powerful,” he added, raising his brows as if trying not to say too much in front of his female relatives. Hearing what he just said Raymond blinked on
Chapter 70
The banquet venue was grand—luxurious without being told one could tell how much was put into it, decorated with understated gold and ivory, adorned with fresh lilies and warm ambient lighting. Outside the entrance, rows of high-end cars lined the driveway, while suited guards and black-tie guests moved about in quiet elegance.This wasn’t just a birthday banquet.It was a gathering of power, elite in the city.The guest list was a tapestry of the city's upper echelon: medical elites, representatives of major families, investment magnates, and several senior members of the Medical Association. All had come to celebrate the birthday of Chairman Nathaniel, the president of the city’s medical association—Malisa’s grandfather.Whispers passed between clusters of guests as the hall bustled.“Did you see the Westbrook delegation just arrived? And that’s Dr. Herman from the National Research Council…”Everyone knew the banquet was more than just a birthday—it was a display of power and conn
Chapter 69
Waylon’s hatred for Raymond deepened like a wound left to rot.As he paced the floor of his private study, his eyes bloodshot, fists clenched at his sides, he couldn’t suppress the fury building inside him.‘Raymond’He couldn't believe that damn man had appeared at just the right time to ruin everything. Again.“First, he’d taken the spotlight in healing Malisa's grandfather, Then, he had miraculously stopped Malisa from talking to him before. Now… now, he’d interfered with a plan that I had spent days carefully crafting—a plan meant to make Malisa mine, whether she wanted it or not.”Immediately Waylon slammed his fist into the oak table, cracking the polished surface.“Raymond…” he growled through gritted teeth. “I don’t care who you are, or what you can do—sooner or later, I’ll find a way to eliminate you.”But even in his seething rage, Waylon wasn’t done with Malisa.His obsession in using her to get her family wealth ran too deep.“I’ll still marry her, and get what I want no
Chapter 68
Then Raymond pulled out a handkerchief and gently wiped the remaining sweat from her forehead.“I suspect the same person responsible for poisoning your grandfather… also drugged you tonight.”Malisa looked at him, her expression tightening with focus.Raymond continued, his tone clipped but clear, like he was putting pieces together out loud.“The symptoms you displayed—the rapid pulse, flushed skin, mental disorientation—were almost identical to what I observed in your grandfather, only more concentrated and faster-acting. His poisoning was slow and hidden over time, meant to weaken him gradually. Yours was abrupt, meant to take effect within minutes. But the toxin base was the same. The way it attacked the internal balance… the method of disruption... it all followed the same structure.”He narrowed his eyes slightly.“Whoever created the original poison likely just modified it. This wasn’t random—it was personal. And well-prepared.”Upon hearing what Raymond just said Malisa’s eye
Chapter 67
After leaving the store, Raymond and Malisa entered the car. The doors closed with a soft click, shutting out the outside world, and the convoy of luxury vehicles rolled into motion.At that moment the cabin was quiet—only the soft hum of the engine and the faint breath of air-conditioning. Malisa sat beside Raymond, composed as ever… At first, but not long after, her breathing began to shift.It started as a slight twitch in her fingers—then her shoulders shifted, and her back subtly arched.Then she started fanning herself gently with her hand, even though the air inside the car was cool.Raymond turned to her.“You alright?” he asked, his tone low.However Malisa didn’t answer. Her lips were slightly parted now, her breaths shallow.At that moment a light sheen of sweat glistened at the base of her neck. Her chest rose and fell rapidly beneath her fitted silk blouse.Then she turned her face toward him, and Raymond immediately noticed—her eyes had gone hazy, unfocused, as if her bo
