The Mysterious Chairman Keith

Securing The Bloodroot Herb

Evening slowly draped the city in silver and neon, but the Stones residence was ablaze with light.

Lisa sat in the living room, her mother pacing before her while her sister lounged nearby, scrolling through her phone.

“Mother,” Lisa said quietly, “I already told you, I’ll take care of it tomorrow.”

Mrs. Stones stopped pacing, her jeweled hand resting on her hip. “You’d better. That insolent boy made a fool of us today. Imagine, parading around with some rich woman to buy the herb we needed! If the Darwins find out, it’ll be humiliating.”

Lisa’s jaw tightened. “Jamie won’t let it go unpunished.”

Her sister looked up, grinning. “Oh? Planning to let your boyfriend rough him up in public?”

“Not rough him up,” Lisa said coldly. “Just remind him where he belongs.”

Her mother nodded approvingly. “That’s more like it. The Darwin family is hosting us at the Nightingale anniversary, aren’t they? It’s the perfect opportunity.”

Lisa’s lips curved faintly. “Jamie’s father has already received word from one of the directors inside Nightingale Group. The chairman himself is expected to attend tomorrow and sign off on the Darwin partnership.”

Her mother’s eyes gleamed. “So it’s true, then? They’re getting the contract?”

Lisa nodded. “Once it’s confirmed, the Darwins will be moving up to second-tier status. That means more influence, more connections for all of us.”

Her sister gasped. “Then we’ll finally be part of the upper circle?”

Lisa gave a small, satisfied smile. “Exactly. That’s why tomorrow has to go perfectly. I don’t want anything ruining our image, especially not Manuel.”

Mrs. Stones let out a harsh laugh. “Don’t worry about him. He’s just a stray dog pretending to belong among lions. Once Jamie’s father finalizes the deal, none of us will even remember his name.”

Lisa looked out the window, eyes distant. But beneath her calm exterior, a spark of unease lingered. The image of that woman — tall, confident, the one standing beside Manuel — refused to leave her mind.

She shook it off. “Tomorrow,” she said quietly, “everything changes.”

Back at the Evergreen Apothecary, the atmosphere had shifted completely.

The owner could hardly bow any lower as he offered a small, ornate box to Laura with trembling hands. “Ms. Ivanovich, please accept this as our sincerest apology. The Bloodroot Herb, complimentary of course.”

Laura’s expression remained unreadable. “I’ll consider it,” she said coolly, taking the box.

Beside her, Manuel watched without speaking. The store’s silence was deafening all eyes avoided his. The same few people who had mocked him minutes ago were now petrified to breathe too loudly.

Laura turned to him. “Let’s go.”

He nodded. Together, they walked out, her stride regal. How was calm, and silent. To onlookers, they looked like a perfect pair: the untouchable beauty and the man who walked in her shadow, his quiet strength hidden beneath simplicity.

Only Laura knew the truth — that he had no need for anyone’s validation.

The drive back to the villa was quiet. City lights streaked across the windshield like falling stars.

“You handled that well,” Laura said after a while, her tone softer now.

Manuel gave a faint smile. “You mean I didn’t break their store?”

Laura’s lips curved slightly. “Exactly.”

They shared a brief glance, unspoken amusement under the tension before she returned her eyes to the road.

When they arrived at the villa, she handed him the herb box. “I have no idea why you need this but seeing how you had me step in when you couldn't get it, I'm guessing it's quite important to you. Don't hesitate to call me next time. It would've been easier if I had just gone in with you from the start.”

He nodded. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

As she drove off, the silence of the villa wrapped around him like a cocoon.

Inside, moonlight streamed through the tall windows, illuminating the marble floor in pale silver. Manuel placed the Bloodroot Herb before him and sat cross-legged, closing his eyes.

The cultivation patterns in his mind stirred again. Those ancient techniques and whispering voices from an age long forgotten. He inhaled deeply, letting the energy circulate along the meridians mapped within his consciousness.

It was like unlocking a door within his soul.

The herb’s essence spread through him, sharp, burning, and cleansing. Every breath sent waves of power rolling through his body, dissolving the fatigue and doubt that clung to him. His muscles vibrated faintly, veins glowing with a soft crimson hue that pulsed in rhythm with his heartbeat.

The Dragon Vein resonated.

He felt it — that ancient strength buried in his blood — responding, awakening.

Hours passed, but time ceased to matter. The night grew deep, yet he didn’t feel the slightest hint of exhaustion. When dawn broke, he opened his eyes, and for a brief second, a faint golden flicker flashed within them.

His reflection in the glass was the same, yet not.

Stronger. Calmer. Sharper.

He exhaled slowly. “So this is just the beginning.”

By the time the sun had climbed above the skyline, the city was already buzzing with anticipation for Nightingale’s anniversary celebration.

But first, Manuel had a visit to make.

He stepped out of the villa dressed in a charcoal-gray suit, his demeanor composed and effortless. When he arrived at the headquarters of the Nightingale Group, the front plaza was already decorated with banners, guests arriving early for rehearsals and preparations.

Before heading up, he decided to check in with Nightingale Group — his father’s closest branch and his primary base of operations.

As he walked through the glass doors of the building, voices echoed from ahead.

“Lisa, wait up!”

That voice was unmistakable.

Manuel slowed his pace just as Lisa Stones and Jamie Darwin entered the lobby. Jamie’s arm was draped casually around her shoulders, his smile practiced and confident. Lisa, dressed elegantly for the occasion, froze the moment she saw Manuel.

Her expression faltered — shock, disbelief, and something else flickering beneath her polished mask.

Jamie followed her gaze, his brows knitting. “Who’s that?”

Lisa forced a smile. “No one important.”

“Oh, it's Manuel. I have to say hi to him after what he pulled yesterday."