I stared at the sea of retreating faces, my heart sinking as potential clients backed away. Alvin Ward's ntion of the Thornton Family had done its work. No one wanted to associate with a dead man walking.
"It seems your reputation isn't quite what you thought, Mr. Knight," Alvin taunted, his voice carrying just enough for those nearby to hear. "Perhaps next ti you'll think twice before interfering in matters beyond your understanding."
I clenched my jaw but maintained my composure. "Is this how the Thornton Family conducts business? Through veiled threats and intimidation of dical practitioners?"
"The Thornton Family has no need to explain itself to soone like you," he replied with a dismissive wave. "Now, I believe you have a statue to forfeit."
The clerk at the paynt counter caught my eye, tapping his watch. My hour was nearly up, and I was no closer to securing the funds I needed. The dark energy emanating from that stone statue confird my suspicions—it was dangerous in the wrong hands, and sothing told Alvin Ward definitely qualified as the wrong hands.
My phone buzzed in my pocket. Probably Leopold or Alistair with bad news about the loan. I pulled it out, expecting disappointnt.
Instead, a notification from my banking app appeared:
[Deposit received: ¥50,000,000 from Isabelle XX]
My breath caught. Before I could process what I was seeing, another ssage ca through:
[Every battle you face is one I face with you, even from afar. This is just the beginning. More will co when needed. Stand strong, Liam. —Isabelle Ashworth, Veridia City]
Warmth spread through my chest. Isabelle. Even from Veridia City, she was watching, supporting, believing in when I needed it most.
Almost imdiately, my banking app pinged again:
[Deposit received: ¥200,000,000 from Isabelle XX]
I stared at my screen in disbelief. Two hundred and fifty million yuan. Exactly what I needed.
I looked up to find Alvin watching with smug satisfaction, clearly believing my ti had run out. Without a word, I walked to the paynt counter, head held high.
"I'm ready to complete my purchase," I told the clerk, sliding my phone across the counter to display the account balance.
The clerk's eyes widened montarily before he composed himself. "Of course, Mr. Knight. We'll process this imdiately."
Alvin's face contorted with shock and then anger as he watched the transaction proceed. "Impossible," he muttered, stalking over. "Where did you get that kind of money?"
"I have powerful friends too, Mr. Ward," I replied calmly, feeling strength surge through . "Perhaps next ti you'll think twice before underestimating ."
The clerk handed a receipt. "The statue will be packed and brought to you montarily, Mr. Knight."
Alvin's eyes narrowed to slits. "This isn't over," he hissed, dropping all pretense of civility. "That artifact is claid by the Thornton Family. You have no idea what forces you're playing with."
"I know exactly what I'm doing," I countered, standing my ground. "And if Miles Thornton has an issue, he can address directly instead of sending his errand boy."
Sothing dangerous flashed in Alvin's eyes. "You dare—"
"Is there a problem here?" A staff mber approached, carrying the carefully wrapped statue.
Our confrontation had drawn attention from around the auction hall. Alvin seed to realize this and reined in his anger, though the murderous intent in his eyes remained.
"No problem," I said, accepting the package. "Mr. Ward was just leaving."
For a mont, I thought he might attack right there. Instead, he leaned in close. "You won't make it out of this city alive."
"Is that a threat or a promise?" I challenged.
The air between us crackled with tension. I felt my own power rising to the surface, ready to defend if necessary. Simultaneously, I sensed Alvin's aura expanding—the unmistakable presence of a Grandmaster.
Just as the confrontation seed poised to explode into violence, an invisible force pressed down on both of us, suppressing our auras like a hand smothering a fla.
"No fighting in my establishnt," a disembodied voice announced calmly but firmly. "Take your grievances elsewhere."
I glanced around, trying to identify the source. The sheer power behind that suppression was staggering—far beyond what a normal Grandmaster should be capable of.
Alvin looked equally surprised, his eyes darting around the room. After a mont of visible calculation, he stepped back.
"The Thornton Family doesn't forget slights, Knight," he said coldly. "Miles will hear about this imdiately."
"Tell him I'm looking forward to our reunion," I replied. "And tell him to co himself next ti instead of sending his pets."
Alvin's face darkened with rage, but he turned and strode away, the crowd parting before him like water.
As the tension dissipated, I examined the wrapped statue in my hands. Through the protective covering, I could still sense its dark energy pulsing like a heartbeat. Whatever this artifact was, it was ancient and powerful—and sohow connected to Miles Thornton. This chapter is part of the collection on *.
"Be careful with that," a voice said behind .
I turned to find Leopold watching with concern.
"What do you know about it?" I asked.
He shook his head. "Nothing specific. But the way Ward reacted... it's clearly valuable beyond its monetary worth."
I nodded, carefully securing the package. "I need to leave before Alvin returns with reinforcents."
"Wise decision," Leopold agreed. "I'll keep my ears open for any Thornton movent and warn you if necessary."
I thanked him and made my way toward the exit, my mind racing. The unexpected support from Isabelle had saved , but it also raised questions. How was she monitoring my activities from Veridia City? And where had she acquired such significant funds so quickly?
As I approached the door, a woman in dark clothing with a partially veiled face stepped into my path.
"Dr. Knight," she whispered, glancing nervously around the hall. "A mont, please."
I tensed, half-expecting an attack.
"I need your help," she continued, her voice barely audible. "But I cannot be seen consulting with you openly. The Thornton Family..." She trailed off, her fear evident.
"You're ill?" I asked quietly.
She nodded minutely. "Please, take this." She pressed a small piece of paper into my hand. "My number. Call when you can see privately. I'll pay whatever you ask."
Before I could respond, she turned and lted back into the crowd, her movents practiced and furtive.
I pocketed the paper, feeling the weight of the statue in my arms and the growing shadow of the Thornton Family looming over . I'd won this round, but sothing told the real battle was just beginning.
As I stepped out into the afternoon sunlight, I pulled out my phone and typed a quick ssage to Isabelle:
[Your support ca at the perfect mont. I don't know how to thank you. We need to talk soon.]
Whatever ca next, I knew one thing for certain—Isabelle Ashworth was my lifeline in a world increasingly set against .
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