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Novel Catalog
Chapter 183
The Klein family had always been an entity to be reckoned with in the martial world, but the Smiling Grim Reaper’s warning to tread carefully with Francis was clear. The consequences of making an enemy of him were not only personal but would ignite an even larger storm—one involving other martial arts families. A powerful sanction would descend on the Klein family, potentially leading them to eternal ruin.
Meanwhile, a few kilometers away, in a nondescript, unlicensed taxi, a conversation took place that would eventually shape the course of events.
“Sir… why don’t you just get rid of Skylar?” The taxi driver, a man in his 40s, with sharp eyes and a serious demeanor, asked as he steered the vehicle through the streets.
In the backseat, the Smiling Grim Reaper remained silent for a moment before answering with an indifferent tone, “The Klein family’s power is beyond what you understand. Eliminating Skylar would not only bring trouble to me but would also lead to the death of the surviving members of the Lewis family. And beyond that, it would upset the delicate balance between ancient martial families. If Skylar dies, another family will rise to dominate, and their ambitions could even threaten the government.”
The driver gave a dark chuckle. “Skylar is old and cunning. Perhaps he’s already guessed who you are.”
The Smiling Grim Reaper glanced out the window, his expression unreadable. “That’s exactly what I want.”
Three days later, at Royal Bay Villa, the sun was high, and the family had started to find some semblance of normalcy after the tragedy.
Harrison, though still grieving, had begun to pull himself together. However, there were now silver strands of hair among the once-thick black locks. The weight of the loss had clearly aged him in these few days.
At the dining table, Hera barely touched her food, her eyes hollow, betraying the sleepless nights and the haunting memories of the past few days. The sight of her grandfather’s face—unrecognizable and lifeless—still lingered in her mind every time she closed her eyes.
She pushed her plate aside after a few bites, her appetite gone. “Dad, Mom, I’m full.”
Lauren frowned, concern etched in her face. “Hera, you’ve lost so much weight in just these three days. You need to eat more.” She reached for a pork rib and placed it on Hera’s plate.
Hera smiled weakly. “I know. I just can’t eat anymore.”
Harrison’s deep voice rumbled with fatherly concern. “Your grandfather wouldn’t want to see you like this, Hera.”
“I know, Dad,” Hera responded, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Eat some more,” Lauren insisted. “Hera’s already married. She’s not ours to worry about anymore. Let her husband watch over her.”
Harrison gave a faint smile, nodding in agreement. “You’re right.”
As the conversation drifted, Nash continued eating, oblivious to the words being exchanged. When he finally spoke, his confusion was evident. “Hera’s above me. How could I be the one to watch over her?”
Hera’s cheeks flushed a little as she stood up. “I have something important to do today. I’m going to the office first.” She made her move to get up, but Nash wasn’t finished yet.
Without warning, Nash grabbed her wrist and pulled her back into his arms, his grip firm. Hera’s eyes widened in shock.
“W-What are you doing?” she asked, caught off guard by his sudden action.
Nash simply picked up a drumstick and held it up to her mouth. “You’re not allowed to go anywhere until you’re full.”
Hera struggled slightly in his hold, her gaze turning to her parents who were still present in the room. She could sense the tension in the air.
Nash wasn’t about to let go. “Open your mouth,” he commanded, his voice calm yet firm.
Hera’s body stiffened at his tone. Her face flushed with embarrassment, but despite her discomfort, she opened her mouth and took the piece of chicken from him.
Harrison and Lauren exchanged a look before quietly excusing themselves, leaving the young couple alone. Hera, though embarrassed, could only relent to Nash’s insistence.
He continued feeding her, his movements deliberate and calm as he removed bones from the fish stew before spooning it into her mouth.
“Nash, I really can’t eat anymore,” Hera pleaded, her voice tinged with a trace of fear. She had already eaten far more than she could stomach, and the weight of it all was making her feel unwell.
Nash only responded by scooping another spoonful of stew and holding it up to her lips. “I’ll send you to the company once you’ve finished your stew.”
Hera, now feeling overwhelmed by both the food and Nash’s determination, could only stare at him, her eyes filled with an uncertain mixture of fear and resignation.