2026-07-29 23:31:10A smile replaced whatever tension had been in her expression just moments before.
"Don't worry," Aaron said, his tone easy but certain. "I know where the line is."Looking at Serena now, with relief and cautious optimism softening her features, he caught a glimpse of the woman he remembered from years ago, the same quiet determination behind her eyes, the same way she pressed her lips together when trying not to let hope run ahead of her."They helped us so much with this deal.
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Chapter 166
Even ten Bancroft families combined could never hope to summon someone like Lord Holmes.In truth, the teacher Reaper spoke of was none other than Aaron Holmes.Years ago, when Aaron first encountered him, Reaper had been nothing more than an ordinary special forces soldier. It was Aaron's patient guidance that forged Reaper into an unstoppable blade, sharp and merciless. Through countless campaigns and hard-won victories, he'd risen to the rank of Major General. Without Aaron's support and instruction, Reaper would still be just another nameless soldier among thousands.In every meaningful sense, Aaron Holmes was Reaper's teacher."General Reaper, where is your teacher seated? We'll go greet him personally right away." Griffin Bancroft reacted instantly, his voice eager as he stepped forward.This was no time for hesitation. If another distinguished figure was attending tonight, the Bancroft family should consider it an honor."Yes, General Reaper, whi
Chapter 165
The bronze sword was a lost national treasure, and Griffin Bancroft had just handed it to Reaper. Given Reaper's position, he would never keep it for himself. He'd submit it to the proper authorities, and the credit would naturally go to him. Griffin had essentially gifted Reaper the achievement of recovering a piece of national heritage.What did a Major General like Reaper need most? Merit and recognition. And Griffin had just delivered it on a silver platter. The gesture was more than an expensive present. It gave Reaper a chance to return a national treasure to the country under his own name, earning official credit that money could never buy. Everyone in the hall understood that the Bancrofts had calculated this carefully. They were not merely showing generosity. They were using a priceless relic to secure the goodwill of a powerful military patron, and the implications were impossible to miss.Murmurs rippled through the crowd, and the guests exchanged excited looks.
Chapter 164
Griffin Bancroft stepped onto the stage just as the seating area reached capacity, his face glowing with satisfaction and pride. The moment had finally arrived."I want to thank everyone for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend the Bancroft family's thirtieth anniversary celebration," he announced, his voice carrying across the grand hall. "On behalf of the entire Bancroft family, I extend our deepest gratitude for your presence here tonight."He paused, letting his gaze sweep across the assembled crowd with deliberate slowness. "However, I'm sure you've all noticed the empty seats at the front."A murmur of curiosity rippled through the audience."Those seats," Griffin continued, "are reserved for tonight's most distinguished guests."The crowd leaned forward in their chairs, necks craning to get a better view. Many had attended this celebration for precisely this reason: to curry favor with the Bancroft family, certainly, but also to catch a g
Chapter 163
Once they left the pool area, Maren Holt had no interest in continuing to enjoy herself. The laughter and music behind them faded, replaced by the tense awareness that every conversation around the estate could carry consequences. She wanted to find a way to comfort Aaron Holmes.True, Aaron had accomplished nothing so far. But he'd been willing to give Serena Vale thirty percent of Whitfield Group's shares as a gift. And to save Serena, he hadn't hesitated to beat the Bancroft family's young master to a pulp.That kind of backbone put those billionaires to shame.Maren had always dreamed of a boyfriend like that. She didn't need him to be rich or powerful. She just wanted someone willing to do what no one else dared, all for her sake. That would be enough."Look, Aaron, it's really not that serious. Just treat what those guys said like hot air. Forget about it. As for the Bancroft family...""I'll handle the Bancrofts myself."Aaron really didn't want
Chapter 162
"Odessa, what are you all talking about? You seem so cheerful."A young man in a crisp tailored suit approached from across the room, his expression bright with easy confidence. The newcomer was Orson Bancroft, grandson of Gideon Bancroft and a rising figure within the Bancroft family hierarchy.Though technically only a cousin to Griffin Bancroft through collateral lines, Orson had carved out his own position of influence within the family. He was the archetypal playboy, yet possessed a seriousness that set him apart from others of his type. Unlike many who simply squandered their inheritance, Orson juggled his indulgences with genuine attention to the family business, making him second only to Julian Bancroft among potential heirs.Odessa Mercer was Westhaven State's celebrated young businesswoman, a rising star who had collected accolades and honors throughout her career. Beautiful and ambitious, she maintained complicated ties with Orson. In fact, most people thro
Chapter 161
Crispin Shore wasn't about to back down. "You two are way too harsh. Aaron Holmes finally made it to an event like this. He just wants to see how things work at this level. How can you talk about him like that?"The two of them were putting on quite the performance, playing off each other with practiced ease. Every word dripped with disdain and mockery, their smug expressions making it clear they were thoroughly enjoying themselves.Odessa Mercer frowned slightly, her voice cutting through their laughter. "Are you done? Today is the Bancroft family's celebration, not yours. What exactly do you have to be so proud of?"Her words carried real weight. All three men fell silent immediately, not daring to say another word. They knew better than to push back against her.Odessa turned to look at Aaron, and despite her best efforts, she couldn't quite hide the disappointment in her eyes. If he'd stayed by her side all those years ago, he'd be doing so much better than t
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