Chapter 69
Hera stood frozen, her mind reeling from the interaction. She shook her head in disbelief.
Zakariah sighed deeply before turning and walking into the estate.
Hera stormed back to Skadi, clearly agitated.
Skadi, sensing her distress, hurriedly asked, “How did it go?”
Hera pouted, her voice tinged with frustration. “He called me an idiot…”
“What the hell? Why’s he so insensitive?” Skadi exclaimed, her eyes flashing with anger.
Hera’s expression softened for a moment before she added, “Oh no… I think I like him even more now.”
Skadi’s eyes sparkled with mischief at the confession. “You really are something,” she teased.
Hera, distracted, suddenly grew serious. “Do you think we’re in trouble? Even your grandfather and Mr. Zell had to defer to them. They’re so powerful…”
When Skadi didn’t respond immediately, Hera turned to look at her. She found Skadi focused intently on her phone, her fingers flying across the screen.
Skadi’s message to the martial arts association group chat read: [@Everyone, I need to know everything about this man in the next three minutes!]
Inside the Estate
The grand, three-story mansion loomed in the center of the estate, surrounded by a vast plaza where high-ranking nobles and dignitaries gathered, sipping wine and engaging in quiet conversation.
Olivia pushed a wheelchair, flanked by other members of the Lee family. The old man in the wheelchair had thinning hair, and his frail body trembled slightly as he struggled to keep his hand from shaking. His health was visibly poor.
Joseph, who appeared slightly disheveled, glared at the higher-ups of the Lee family as they walked out. “I specifically told you to have someone on standby outside,” he snapped. “Do you think it’s hospitable to only greet the warden after he’s already inside?”
The Lee family members blushed, too embarrassed to reply.
Olivia sighed. She had only just returned to the country and had forgotten that the warden was scheduled to arrive today, as she had been busy caring for her grandfather.
As Joseph led the higher-ups out, they spotted the warden and his entourage entering the plaza. The sight made Joseph’s heart sink, and he jogged toward them, his pace quickening.
The Lee family members, young and old, hurried to follow.
Surprised, confused faces appeared among those already seated at the plaza. What kind of guest required the attention of the entire Lee family?
The guests quickly realized it was Walter and Grant, and understanding flickered across their faces.
At the Lewis Family’s Table
Hubert, his face flushed with pride, muttered, “Walter is the richest man in Jonford, and yet the Lee family couldn’t be bothered to welcome him. They’re really acting like snobs!”
His daughter, soon to marry into the Watson family, looked on with a smug expression, proud of the treatment the Watson family was receiving.
Lauren sneered, “The Lee family is a high-ranking family, too. They’ve been around for ages and even have a retired major as their head. Walter has no right to expect the Lee family to welcome him first, does he? Besides, not even Ms. Olivia, let alone anyone else from the Lee family, would spare the Watson family a glance.”
Rooney, amused, laughed. “Don’t kid yourself, Lauren. We all know you’re just jealous. Why don’t you ask your daughter to marry someone like Kai if you think you’re so capable?”
Lauren, unruffled, took a slow sip from her glass. “Nash is leagues ahead of Kai.”
Rooney spluttered in disbelief, “That country bumpkin doesn’t even belong at the birthday celebration. How could he possibly be better than Kai?”
Hera and Skadi Arrive at Their Table
As the argument continued between the others, Hera and Skadi reached their table.
Rooney’s smile faltered the moment she saw Skadi.
“Grandpa, Mom, Dad…” Hera greeted sweetly, settling into her seat.
“Grandpa Lewis, Mr. Harrison, Lauren!” Skadi echoed, offering polite greetings to Herman, Harrison, and Lauren. The two women, however, completely ignored Helena and her family.
Rooney muttered under her breath, “How impudent…”
Herman sighed silently, watching the scene unfold. One granddaughter was about to marry into the Watson family, and the Lewis family was heavily relying on the Watsons for their survival. The other granddaughter had just secured a two-billion-dollar deal with Drake Group.
He wasn’t sure whose side to take.
Hera leaned her head against Skadi’s shoulder and checked her phone. “It’s been ten minutes. Have you found anything about him yet?”
Skadi shook her head. “Nothing. This person is so mysterious!”
Just as she finished speaking, her inbox pinged with an encrypted email. The subject line read: Information on Masked Man.