2025-01-20 14:21:57The 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 that whatever boldness Raymond showed was because of her backing. ‘There’s no way he’s doing this on his own,’ Caleb thought smugly. ‘He probably doesn’t even know the rules.’ Mr. Drake’s auction was well-known for its strict policy: the bidder and the payer had to be the same person. No one could swoop in and cover the cost. It was a rule that safeguarded the auction’s exclusivity and ensured only those with real wealth could participate. Without being told Caleb was certain Raymond hadn’t bothered to understand these details. He’s walking right into his own humiliation, and he can't wait to see how everyone is going to mock him for being so useless, and stupid. However, seeing the flicker of determination in Raymond’s eyes as he gazed at the ring, Caleb decided to teach him a lesson, confident he could crush him easily. He sneered, raised his paddle, adding a modest increase to the bid. “10.1 million dollars” Seeing Caleb bidding again the crowd hummed in approval, their attention now fully locked on the battle for the ring. They all thought Raymond would give up now, that his recent show was just for formality. However Raymond didn’t hesitate. With the same calm expression, he lifted his paddle and increased the bid again, drawing more gasps from the crowd. “11 million dollars.” Caleb’s smirk deepened. The fish bit the bait. He raised his paddle again. “11.1 million dollars.” Meanwhile, the murmurs among the crowd started growing louder. They couldn't believe someone so useless as Raymond would be the one challenging Caleb of all people. “He has no idea what he’s doing,” someone whispered. “Does he even know the payer has to be the bidder? He’s making a fool of himself.” “Look at him—so calm. He’s bluffing for sure.” The noise of judgment filled the room, but Raymond remained detached, his focus solely on the auctioneer. At that moment Malisa, sitting beside him, glanced around at the skeptical faces. Her smile was faint but steady, her posture relaxed. She didn’t need to say anything to reassure Raymond, she knew how much he's worth. Without wasting any more time Raymond raised his paddle again. “12 million dollars.” Immediately the room fell silent again for a moment, the crowd stunned. “He’s still bidding?” one person whispered, their disbelief clear. “What’s he thinking? He doesn’t have that kind of money.” “He’s going to regret this,” another scoffed. Seeing Raymond's attitude Dahlia couldn’t hold back any longer. The tension in the room was palpable, and Raymond’s unwavering confidence of something he can't afford unnerved her. She leaned forward, her voice low but sharp enough for him to hear. “Raymond, stop this. Don’t be reckless. You don’t know what you’re doing.” However Raymond didn't respond immediately, his calm eyes fixed on the auctioneer as the current bid hovered in the air. Her frustration grew. “Do you even understand where you are?” she hissed. “That black card you’re holding—it’s fake. It won’t work here. You’re going to make a fool of yourself, and the consequences won’t just be embarrassment. Do you know what happens to people who cause trouble at Mr. Drake's auctions?” At that moment Raymond finally turned his head slightly, his expression unbothered. “I don’t need you to worry about me,” he said evenly, his voice steady and composed. Immediately Dahlia’s breath hitched at his calmness. She couldn't understand why Raymond looked so certain. At that moment Caleb’s smirk widened as he observed the exchange. He leaned back in his chair, his arrogance practically radiating from him. “See that?” he muttered to the guest next to him, gesturing toward Dahlia and Raymond. “Even his ex-wife knows he’s out of his depth. This will be fun.” Raising his paddle, Caleb increased his bid by another modest amount, his tone dripping with mockery. “15 million dollars.” “Let’s see if he still dares to play along,” he said loud enough for the crowd to hear, earning a few chuckles of agreement. At that moment, sitting beside Raymond, Malisa folded her arms, her lips curving into a faint smirk. ‘Let him dig his own hole.’ she thought, her eyes glinting with amusement. She had seen enough to know where this was headed. The murmurs in the crowd grew louder as all eyes shifted to Raymond, expecting him to fold under the pressure. “Is he going to back down now?” someone whispered. “He’s been bluffing the whole time. Watch him try to weasel his way out.” Raymond’s lips curved into a sneer. He was tired of this game. Without a moment’s hesitation, he raised his paddle again. “50 million dollars.” The moment Raymond made his final bid, the room erupted into chaos. Guests whispered furiously among themselves, their voices a mixture of shock and disbelief. “Did he really just bid that much?” one man murmured, wide-eyed. “And to think he doesn't even look, move, or disturb, for someone who doesn't have anything to brag about.” At that moment Caleb cheek raised, almost covering his eyes, knowing he had gotten Raymond where he wanted him. Without wasting any more time he stood up barely containing his glee. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his voice filled with exaggerated politeness. “I think we can all agree that one fifty million is no small amount. To avoid any unnecessary confusion or delays, why don’t we verify if Mr. Raymond actually has the means to back up his bid?”
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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
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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
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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
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Not long after Malisa and Raymond arrived at the hospital.The air in the VIP ward was heavy with the scent of antiseptic, the hushed whispers of doctors and nurses filling the space as Raymond and Malisa stepped inside.Malisa’s grandfather lay motionless on the hospital bed. A group of specialists stood nearby, their faces etched with frustration and uncertainty.“We’ve done everything we can,” one of the doctors muttered, shaking his head. “We still can’t determine the root cause.”At that moment Malisa’s brows furrowed in concern before she turned to Raymond. “Let him take a look,” she said firmly. Upon hearing what Malisa just said.A murmur rippled through the room as skeptical glances were exchanged. Then, a sharp voice cut through the tension.At that moment her cousin Kelly looked Raymond up and down, immediately his jaw tightened. “Malisa, you want this thing to have a look at grandfather?”he said with a bitter mockery before facing Raymond "Are you a doctor?”Raymond
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At that moment Malisa stepped forward, her tone firm. “Dr. Nathaniel, he’s the only one who has made any progress. Grandfather’s condition was deteriorating before he started.”Dr. Nathaniel scoffed. “That Nonsense. Traditional medicine like this is unreliable. This so-called treatment is reckless at best. I won’t allow my patient to be subjected to unproven methods.”However Raymond’s expression remained calm, but his voice carried a warning. “Removing those needles now will put him in immediate danger. His body is still adjusting.”Dr. Nathaniel ignored him and turned to Malisa’s father. “Do you trust an amateur, or do you trust the years of expertise I bring? If we let this continue, we may never stabilize him again.”At that moment Malisa's father hesitated, uncertainty flickering across his face. The rest of the family, still skeptical of Raymond, murmured in agreement.“Pull them out,” Malisa’s father finally ordered.Malisa’s eyes widened. “No! Don’t—”Before she could sto
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His eyes settled on her, warmth returning to them. “Malisa... I feel—” He paused, flexing his fingers before touching his chest. “I feel... strong again.”“Father?” Malisa's father stepped forward, voice shaking. His hands trembled as he touched his father's wrist, feeling the strong, steady pulse.Immediately Malisa‘s grandfather sat up straight. No wheezing. No tremors. He looked at his hands in wonder.Kelly, who minutes ago had called Raymond a fraud, stood frozen. The blood drained from his face as he watched his uncle move with ease. His mouth opened, but no words came.“How...is this even possible.” Dr Nathaniel. stumbled back. Twenty years of medical experience hadn't prepared him for this. He checked the monitors again, rubbing his eyes. “These readings... they're better than before he got sick.”At that moment Malisa's father looked at Raymond, really looked at him for the first time. Gone was the arrogant businessman who'd dismissed him. Now he just stood there, strugg
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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
