CHAPTER 1- The Uninvited Guest

Adrian Lancaster pushed open the door to Room 308 on the second floor of the cruise ship, only to be met with the unmistakable voices of a man and a woman coming from the bedroom.

"Honey, I've been holding back for days, I'm about to lose it."

"Come on, ahh~ My pants ... take them ... off, will you? Ahh~~"

BOOM!

It was as if thunder had struck Adrian right in the ears.

His face paled.

Because the voice that spoke next belonged to Isabelle—his wife!

Three years ago, they had met at a small banquet.

Sparks flew, and soon after, they were married.

Though she was diagnoised with multiple myeloma shortly after their wedding, Adrian never left her side.

He took care of her through the worst and even donated his own healthy bone marrow—saving her life.

A week ago, when Isabella told him she was pregnant, he had been over the moon.

Even though his startup company was on the verge of bankruptcy, he'd spent his savings to buy two luxury cruise tickets for a seven-day getaway, hoping to cheer her up after learning she was worried about her family company and rekindle their romance.

He had even prepared a nice romantic dinner with a meaningful gift for her this evening.

The last thing Adrian expected ... was betrayal.

As the gasps and moans from the bathroom grew louder, Adrian's rage swelled.

His fists clenched, and he stormed toward the bedroom door.

He had to see—who the bastard was!

But as he reached for the knob, he stopped.

His features were contorted with pain.

What difference would it make anyway?

Would seeing the man erase Isabelle's betrayal?

She was pregnant with their baby—did she even care about its safety?

Just a door away, Adrian felt he was between heaven and hell.

Just then, came more voices from inside the bedroom.

"Hurry up... Adrian would be ... back with his surprise for me any minute. Ahh~ If he sees us ... we're screwed ... Ahh~~~"

"So what if he does? He's now penniless and powerless. I'm not afraid of him."

Adrian frowned. The man's voice ... it sounded familiar.

Then Isabelle spoke again.

"You naughty bad boy ... Ahh~~ So? How's the plan to bankrupt Adrian's company going? I'm running out of excuses to stall."

"Don't worry. With your help from the inside, I've already cut off all his cash flow. Every asset he had is now under my name."

The man laughed excitedly.

And then it clicked!

Adrian knew who the man was—Lucian Grayson.

CEO of Astra Corp, Adrian's fiercest rival.

The Grayson family was one of Silver City's top three elite families, and Lucian was known for his arrogance and ruthless behavior.

Rumors had always followed him: forcing his pregnant secretary to get an abortion, seducing employees' wives, blackmailing female staff into sleeping with him...

Lucian Grayson was pure scum.

But of all people, his own loving wife, Isabelle, was now fucking that bastard? Why?

Was he—Adrian Lancaster—not good enough?

His heart bled.

Inside the bedroom, Isabelle continued, moaning between words.

"Should I ask for a divorce ... tomorrow ... as we planned? And then the day after ... ahh ~~ you come with me for a prenatal check?"

"Why not? Today is the last day he's allowed to enjoy happiness." Lucian chuckled as he held Isabel's softness in his hands.

"Talking about prenatal check, that idiot still doesn't know the baby isn't his, right?"

"Of course, not. How can ... I tell him the truth? He'd ... ahh ... kill me!" Isabelle let out a long, low moan before continuing between gasps.

CHAPTER 2- The Ultimate Deception

"Don't worry, I've got him wrapped around my finger. Even though he's broke ... now, he still used the last of his money ... to buy this cruise."

As if remembering something funny, Isabelle giggled.

"I even changed the order secretly to include a ticked for you. Otherwise, how would we have this happy week together?"

"You little canny vixen," Lucian laughed and pinched her nose.

"I can't wait to see his face when he finds out the truth that you merely targeted him for his bone marrow. What a pathetic sucker."

Isabelle lifted her chin proudly, "He should be honored I even chose him!"

Adrian felt like his heart was being ripped apart.

He never imagined the truth would be this ugly… this cruel.

And he had never found Isabelle's voice as harsh and grating as he did today.

"Poor guy. You've really ruined him." Lucian laughed.

"You pity him?" Isabelle rolled her eyes.

"Hell no!" Lucian laughed, then he sneered mockingly.

"If his bone marrow hadn't been a match, do you think I'd have watched you marry him? He fucked my woman, so I'm gonna drain him dry."

"Alright, stop bragging," Isabelle gave him a glare and urged, her breathing growing heavier, "let's ... hurry up."

Outside the bedroom door, Adrian stood frozen, his limbs icy cold.

Everything had been a lie.

Their love story? A joke!

Their marriage? Just a convenient front for benefit!

She had teamed up with his rival to destroy his company ... spent his money to sleep with her lover ...

And now, it turned out even the baby wasn't his!

Adrian's breath turned ragged, his eyes bloodshot as veins bulged across his temples.

Rage surged through him like a storm barely contained.

"Did you prepare the drug?" Lucian asked. "When you drink with him later, make sure he takes it. Don't screw this up."

"I... I got it ... covered. Ahh~~Ahhh~~~~"

Feeling Lucian moving faster, Isabelle gasped more heavily, her eyes rolling back, but her mind remained active.

"Hey Luc," Isabelle added suddenly, "there's been some men in black hanging around my place lately asking about Adrian. You don't think he's hiding something, do you? Like in those dramas—some secret identity?"

"Pfft. Him? Secret identity? Get real. His company's out of money—they're probably debt collectors." Lucian sneered mockingly.

Hearing this, Isabelle felt relieved and giggled, without the slightest trace of guilt.

"Once I knock him out ... you come later and dump him ... into the ocean under the cover of night. We'll ... We'll make it look like an accident ... and we'll collect a big fat life insurance payout."

"Good, my clever girl!" Lucian praised as he bit lustfully on Isabelle's curves, his breath heavier as well.

"With that bastard gone, that sick little sister of his is ours. Once we ship her off to Lorita Island, we'll build more connections. Two birds, one stone!" Lucian snickered.

But inside, Lucian had another plan.

Money and Adrian's death were secondary—what he really wanted was Adrian's mentally impaired but beautiful sister.

He had seen her photo once on Isabelle's phone and had been obsessed ever since.

He couldn't wait to taste her.

That innocent face, the sweet little moans, the soft young curves, the tight, untouched, sweet body—it would be heaven.

He wasn't about to tell Isabelle that, though.

At this thought, his excitement surged, and with a grunt, he drove himself deeper.

"Ah—!"

The room immediately filled with louder moans and the continuous sound of frantic flesh slapping against flesh.

Adrian's temples throbbed with rage.

That poor, sick girl wasn't his real sister, but the granddaughter of the old, crippled man who once saved his life.

Adrian owed him everything.

After the old man died, Adrian promised to take care of the girl like family.

And now ... these bastards wanted to kill him, take his insurance, and sell her to some damn sex island?

Enough!!!

"Goddamn it—go to hell!" he roared, fury exploding like a firestorm.

CHAPTER 3- Vows to Violence

With a roar, Adrian kicked the bedroom door open.

BANG!

All hell broke loose.

"Ah!" Isabelle screamed, grabbing a towel to cover herself.

Lucian jumped up from the bed.

However, when he saw it was Adrian, his anxiety turned into laughter.

"Well well, Isabelle ... looks like the plan's a bust!"

Isabelle's face turned pale.

"Adrian? I thought you were planning a surprise dinner. Why are you back so soon?"

"Sorry to interrupt your fun," Adrian said, his face dark, his voice mocking.

"If I hadn't come back earlier, I'd never know how many 'surprises' you had in store for me."

"Adrian, it's not what it looks like, I—"

"I saw it. I heard it. Are you seriously going to tell me I imagined it all?"

Adrian's voice trembled with fury.

"Isabelle, I never thought you'd be such a filthy slut!"

His words struck her like a whip.

Isabelle dropped the act and went cold.

"Well, you found out. So what? We've already drained you dry. You've got nothing left."

"Initially, we were just gonna drug you and collect the insurance. Sell your sister. But I guess that's off the table now."

There was not the slightest hint of nervousness or guilt from being caught in her voice, as if she was certain that even if he knew what fucking thing they had done, he would be powerless to do anything about it.

Adrian stared at her, hollow and broken.

The woman he loved ... had become this heartless monster.

Lucian wrapped an arm around Isabelle and smirked.

"Hey, Mr. Bone Marrom ... You ruined my fun and my payday, but I'm feeling generous."

Lucian raised an eyebrow, his tone casual, with a look of mockery, as if he were looking at a poodle.

"Get the hell out. Or ... do you prefer to stay and watch while I show you what a real man can do with your wife?"

"Fuck you! You both deserve to rot in hell!"

Adrian growled and raised his arm, punching Lucian straight in the face.

Crack!

Lucian's jaw exploded in blood.

"You dare hit me?" Lucian roared. "I was going to let you go, but now? You're a dead man!"

He lunged at Adrian, fists flying like a storm.

Adrian was tall, like Lucian—both around 6'3".

But after years of caring for Isabelle and giving up his own health for hers, he was weaker than he looked.

Lucian easily beat him down.

"You bastard, you dare touch me?!"

With a hard solid kick, Lucian shattered Adrian's nose.

"Aaaghh—!" Adrian screamed in pain, but he still crawled up, trying to fight back.

But the moment he did, he felt a sudden pain and his body screamed in protest.

A violent dizziness struck him like a blow.

The toll of years of hard work to take care of Isabelle, and especially the bone marrow donation, struck him all at once.

With a wicked grin, Lucian grabbed Adrian's wrist.

He twisted it brutally and slammed Adrian down onto the ground.

Adrian gasped as pain exploded through him, his cheek pressed onto the floor and blood immediately pooled beneath his face.

Lucian pinned him, pressing a knee against his chest.

"Pathetic," he sneered, his voice was filled with nothing but pure mockery.

"And here, you can't even put up a fight. What a fucking weakling you are."

Adrian gritted his teeth, the rage inside him was like an unstoppable storm.

With a growl, he pushed Lucian with all his might.

And then suddenly ...

Crack!!!

A sharp, crushing pain exploded in his skull.

The world shifted around him

Adrian's vision blurred as he barely registered Isabelle standing over him, with a bedside table in her hands.

The wooden edges dripped with his blood.

She had swung it down on his head.

This BITCH!!!

Adrian's body went numb.

His eyes rolled back, and the last thing he saw was Isabelle's cold, satisfied smirk before darkness swallowed him whole.

CHAPTER 4- Left for Dead

Isabelle's breath caught in her throat as she stared down at Adrian's seemly lifeless body.

"Lucian," she whispered, "What do we do now?"

Lucian got back to his feet and spat right on Adrian's face.

Then the next moment, his lips curled into a cruel smile.

"Perfect! Let's stick to the original plan, then."

"We toss him overboard, into the sea."

"We're in the middle of the ocean. No witnesses. No evidence. Just a tragic 'accident.'"

Isabelle shuddered but her eyes lit up.

Yeah, they could stick to their original plan!

The only difference was that Adrian wasn't drugged beforehand, but instead got knocked out by her.

But then, it made no difference, did it?

Lucian was already moving.

He quickly rolled a sheet over Adrian's body and began dragging Adrian toward the door.

BOOM!

RING! RING! RING!!!

However, just as they reached the cabin door, a loud crash echoed from further down the corridor.

And the alarm grew louder and louder.

And then, there were footsteps and voices.

Isabelle's breath caught in her throat.

Someone had pulled a nearby emergency alarm and people were coming this way.

Lucian cursed under his breath. "Shit. We need to move..."

The voices grew louder, nearing their room.

Throwing someone into the sea without anyone noticing was one thing; being caught in the act was another.

He didn't like the idea of being caught.

So, without hesitating, Lucian hissed, "Move!"

He grabbed Isabelle's wrist and yanked her towards the balcony door.

"Lucky you, bastard!"

With one last glance at Adrian lying behind the half-closed cabin door, Isabelle turned and bolted.

As Lucian and Isabelle disappeared into the distance of the corridor, neither of them noticed a trickle of Adrian's blood slowly soaking into the pendant around his neck.

And then, a faint, glowing white light pulsed from it.

It flickered once, then twice ,,, and totally surged into Adrian's body like a living force.

The deep wound on Adian's head immediately sealed itself.

The bruises quickly faded and were replaced by smooth skin.

If anyone were there to watch, they would surely be astonished.

But the transformation ran deeper than the eye could see.

Adrian's shattered bones fused back together.

His torn muscles regenerated, stronger than before.

Every cell in his body was revitalized, restructured, perfected.

And then, without warning, the door burst open again.

A beautiful woman staggered inside.

Her delicate fingers trembled as she slammed the door shut behind her, shutting out whoever was far behind her.

She locked it with a shaky hand before she fell unconscious.

Meanwhile, as Adrian slipped into unconsciousness, an ethereal voice echoed in his mind.

"Time has shifted, the seas turned to fields.

Over a century has passed since Terra's Great Cataclysm.

Now, Terra's will has awakened anew, its energy eternal, seeking a new heir.

Remember—the bearer must uphold righteousness, and defeat evil invasions. Should one fall into darkness, their soul will be utterly destroyed."

The next moment, Adrian 'saw' the pendant that his mother had left him before her death suddenly transformed into a blazing phoenix wreathed in flames and frost.

And with a shrill cry, it shot straight into his forehead.

"Ah—!"

CHAPTER 5- Terra's Will

Immediately, a massive flood of energy and information slammed into Adrian's mind.

Just when he thought his head would explode, a cooling stream of energy flowed gently from his forehead, slowly spreading through his brain, limbs, organs, blood, muscles, and bones ...... until his entire body was bathed in a miraculous, soothing coolness.

To Adrian, it was like stepping into a magical dream.

Even more bewildering, he felt no pain anymore—Not from the bone marrow donation that had tortured him so far, nor the injuries Lucian and Isabelle left behind.

Instead, a strange, soothing numbness spread through him.

What's happening ...?

He struggled to open his eyes or move his fingers, but his body wouldn't respond.

As the pressure faded, Adrian found his mind was flooded with strange knowledge: legendary energy techniques, powerful martial arts, miraculous medical skills, cursecraft, prophecy, alchemy ...

All recorded in a book titled Inheritance of Terra's Will, now etched into his soul.

He realized with a start—He had come across a once-in-a-lifetime miracle!

But before he could even rejoice, another violent force erupted from his abdomen, surging through his veins like a tidal wave.

The pressure was unbearable—earth-shattering, soul-crushing.

Adrian shivered violently.

So... opportunity comes with deadly risks!

Just as he thought he was about to be consumed by this violent energy, a sweet, intoxicating fragrance filled his nostrils.

Then, cold, tender lips brushed against his.

A smooth, naked body pressed intimately against him.

Who—?!

Before his mind could work out, a cool tongue entwined with his.

Plump, soft breasts crushed against his burning chest, their coolness seeping into his fevered flesh.

Though he couldn't move, couldn't open his eyes, Adrian's body responded instinctively, greedily matching the woman's urgent rhythm.

The room heated up. Passionate moans filled the space.

Slowly, no matter who this woman was, her cooling aura calmed the fire within him.

Finally, with one last, powerful release, Adrian's mind went blank and he passed out.

He knew... the danger... had passed.

Adrian felt a slight ache at the back of his skull as his consciousness slowly came back.

For a moment, it felt like he had just woken up from a long, endless dream.

His fingers twitched, brushing against soft skin and elastic flesh instead of the hard solid floor.

That feeling ... size C or D?

Adrian's eyes snapped open.

The sight before him surprised him.

A woman, stunningly beautiful, lay on top of him.

Her bare body was intertwined tightly with his.

Adrian swallowed hard, trying to suppress the impulse.

The woman's luminous skin glowed.

Her long, silky hair cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall.

She was extremely beautiful.

So it wasn't a dream after all?!

And then, she stirred.

Her eyes fluttered as she tried to make sense of her surroundings, and her eyes widened in terror as soon as they locked onto his.

"What the fuck did you do to me?"

Sophia Aldridge gasped and scrambled back, clutching the sheets to her chest and swinging a towel at Adrian.

"And who the hell are you?!"

Her voice trembled.

"You bastard, you raped me!"

Adrian's expression remained calm.

If it had been the old him, the man who had once cared too much, and hesitated too often.

That Adrian might have stammered, eager to explain.

But gone was his old self.

He said slowly and calmly, "I don't know how you found your way here... But you would have died if it wasn't for me."

"You should be thanking me."

CHAPTER 6- Marry you?

Adrian had good reason to say so.

After processing the newly gained knowledge in his brain, and recalling the details of when he had been intimate with the woman, he was now absolutely certain that she had been drugged with a powerful, addictive aphrodisiac.

If she hadn't accidentally ended up in his room, engaged with him, and had her condition neutralized by the energy in his body, she would have completely fallen into the hands of the man behind the drug, becoming his plaything.

"Thank you?"

Sophia scoffed, her voice trembled with rage.

"You took my dignity! You're a rapist!"

Adrian remained unfazed.

"Your dignity would mean nothing if you were dead."

"And ... think carefully before you speak, you were the one who forced yourself on me," he said, his voice deep, steady.

"You liar, you b..."

Tears welled in Sophia's eyes as she retorted,.

But then, her words faltered as the scenes from last night came rushing back to her.

Last night, she had a meeting with a big shot at a restaurant to seal a business deal.

But after accepting a glass of wine he handed her, everything went downhill.

Her body felt weak, her mind slipping away.

She noticed something was wrong, and found an excuse to hit the restroom, quickly pulling an emergency alarm nearby.

As chaos erupted around her, she ran and dashed into a room, locking the door behind her, and...

And then ... she ... threw herself ... at this man?!

She couldn't help but cover her face in her palms.

"Oh no!"

What had she done?

It was her doing ... she 'raped' an unconscious man!

Adrian sat up.

"You remember it now? You entered my room," he said casually.

"I was injured and was unconscious. If something happened between us, it wasn't because I forced you."

Sophia's grip on the sheets tightened.

"Shut up, will you?!"

She burst out crying.

The fact was too cruel for her that she couldn't hold back anymore.

What had she done to deserve such misery?!

Seeing her so distressed, Adrian tilted his head slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"If you don't mind, I can take responsibility and marry you ..."

... well, after I divorce, of course.

He finished inwardly.

The room fell into stunned silence.

For a moment, Sophia stared at him as if he had lost his mind.

And then she burst into loud, mocking laughter, with her tears still hanging on her face.

Her eyes flicked from Adrian's composed, almost calculating demeanor to the disarray of the room and the bloodstains on his clothes.

"Me? Marry you?" She sneered, "Who do you think you are? A prince or what?"

As the young lady of the Aldridge family—one of the three major ruling families in the largest city, Windsong, of the northern region of Eldran Continent—Sophia knew very well she had every right to choose any man.

But definitely not a commoner, a nobody.

Adrian didn't flinch, although he had no idea who this woman was.

"Maybe my current situation isn't ideal," Adrian said, his voice steady and unwavering, "but I trust in my mind and my abilities. I can give you happiness and protect you."

"Oh, piss off! You're no match for me." Sophia snarled.

From what she saw and concluded, this man might have done something bad, been knocked out, and was left in the room.

Yet now, he was acting all high and mighty in front of her.

People like him were the last ones she'd ever look at.

With this thought in mind, Sophia quickly regained her composure.

After all, as the renowned beauty CEO who built her own career and rose to power without her family's influence in this remote city, her temperament and resolve far surpassed those of other women her age.

She reached for her purse, which had been discarded on the floor, pulled out a sleek, leather-bound checkbook, flipped it open, and scribbled down a number.

She tore the check from the book and extended it toward Adrian.

"That's $100,000," she said coolly. "From now on, I need you to forget about last night. Just pretend nothing happened."

"Keep your mouth shut and don't you dare take advantage of me," She added threateningly, "otherwise, I won't let you off the hook, you hear me?"

Adrian took the check and gave it a lazy glance.

A mocking smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth.

Women... were they all the same?

Either ungrateful bitches or arrogant queens looking down on others?

"Shouldn't I be the one paying you?" he said, his voice cold and mocking.

"After all, you were the one so eager to please me last night. You pulled out all the stops — made sure I had a great time. So, tell me, how much do you want?"

"You... you..."

Already dressed and about to leave, Sophia was fuming.

Her face flushed red with rage, unable to form words.

This damn man — he was infuriating! Ahhh!

Just then, her legs buckled, and a fine layer of sweat broke out on her forehead.

Her hands instinctively reached for her bag, fingers turning pale.

Her breathing grew rapid, as if an invisible hand were squeezing her throat.

Oh no, not now!

She suddenly remembered — she hadn't brought her medicine!

Adrian frowned and quickly rushed over.

Feeling her pulse, his expression soon turned serious.

He picked her up, placed her on the sofa, and started unbuttoning her collar and buttons.

Sophia struggled to breathe, her eyes filled with despair and pain.

She had suffered from severe, acute asthma since childhood — the kind that could turn deadly in an instant.

Yet even now, the man before her was trying to take advantage of her weakness?

The thought of facing humiliation even at death's door made her wish she could just die on the spot.

CHAPTER 7- Saved Again

As Adrian undid more of her buttons, Sophia squeezed her eyes shut in despair.

She gasped for air, helpless and unable to resist at all.

Yet the scene she had feared — being assaulted by Adrian — never happened.

Instead, after swiftly removing her clothes, Adrian began pressing and kneading different spots along her neck and back with rapid, precise movements.

As his fingers moved faster and his strength increased, Sophia felt a warm current flow through her neck and chest, as if flushing out the sickness from within her body.

Sophia couldn't help but let out a comfortable moan, and after realizing what she had just done, she blushed.

Thirty seconds later, to Sophia's astonishment, the suffocating feeling completely vanished.

She could breathe steadily again!

How come? What did Adrian do? Was he a legendary doctor or what?

Looking at Adrian, who was panting heavily as if he had been utterly drained, Sophia was filled with shock and doubt.

"Get dressed," Adrian said roughly, slumping onto the floor as he leaned back against the wall.

Just now, he had mobilized the energy within his body following the legendary medical skills imprinted in his mind.

It had cost him greatly, but he was inwardly thrilled — the skills were real!

"You saved me?" Sophia finally found her voice, asking in disbelief.

"If not me, who else?"

Sophia was stunned.

Ever since she was diagnosed with severe, acute asthma, she would have mild attacks every three months, and severe, life-threatening ones once every year.

Each severe attack was a brush with death.

Her family had hired the most renowned doctors across the Eldran Continent to treat her, but even they could only prescribe specially developed medication to ease the symptoms — never cure it.

During critical episodes, in addition to medication, she even had to be placed into a medical capsule for emergency treatment.

Yet now, Adrian hadn't used any medicine or equipment — only his bare hands, pressing a few points on her body — and within just a minute, she was cured!

What kind of miraculous healing technique was this?!

Despite the shock in her heart, Sophia kept her expression cold.

She quickly dressed, then said stiffly, "Thank you... But this doesn't mean I want anything more to do with you."

"Same here," Adrian scoffed. "As long as you don't accuse me of rape, I'll count my blessings."

Sophia fell silent.

In truth, she would have loved to — but given what had really happened, it would be her who had forced herself on Adrian.

If anything, Adrian had saved her twice now.

After a moment's hesitation, Sophia brushed the strand of hair on her face and without a word, she reached for her checkbook, added another zero, and ripped out the new check.

"Don't worry," she said at last. "Keep the money — consider it payment for the treatment. We're even now."

Getting dressed and without looking back, she left like the elegant, high-class woman she was.

Adrian merely waved his hand.

He needed to rest desperately.

Five minutes later, Adrian had fully recovered.

Feeling the surge of energy coursing through his body, a faint smile tugged at his lips.

But the moment he thought of Isabelle and Lucian, his good mood was cut in half, replaced by a cold, resolute glint in his eyes.

Divorce.

No matter what, he had to divorce Isabelle first!

As for everything else...

All the benefits that pair of adulterers had stolen from him — he would make sure to take them back with interest!

Adrian picked up his phone from the floor, his fingers flying over the screen before hitting send.

Done.

As soon as the cruise ship docked, he would see them in court.

CHAPTER 8- The Bansihed Son

A deafening blast from the cruise ship's horn shook the dockside as the ship docked.

By this time, Adrian had fully recovered and he disembarked without hesitation.

His steps steady and his eyes like steel.

He was no longer the same man who had boarded this ship—blinded by love.

Now, he was walking away from the wreckage. And he had one final knot to cut.

The divorce.

But just as he stepped unto the dock, the atmosphere shifted.

A fleet of luxury cars pulled up beside him, their sleek black exteriors gleaming under the midday sun.

The crowd stirred in confusion and awe as suited bodyguards flowed from the vehicles.

They moved with practiced precision.

Without a word, they stretched a golden-edged silk drape between four poles, sealing off the space like royalty had arrived.

The crowd reluctantly stepped back, still mummiring among themselves.

Sophia Aldridge, about to head to the car pack, paused.

Her eyes narrowed with curiosity.

Farther off, Isabelle and Lucian stood at the edge of the ship ramp.

Lucian's smirk faded slightly as he watched the coordinated display.

Isabelle stretched her neck, hoping to get a better look.

"Probably some tycoon's brat showing off," she muttered, her eyes gleaming with jelously.

If only she could get closer ...

Lucian scoffed impatiently.

"Let's go. It's time we end the marriage between you and that bastard once and for all."

Then he dragged Isabelle along and walked towards the parking lot not far from the dock.

Meanwhile, from the most opulent vehicle, the door opened slowly and a man who looked like the embodiment of old-world power stepped out.

His silver hair combed back to perfection, and his tailored three-piece suit that screamed wealth.

His aura screamed power.

Adrian froze as his breath caught in his chest.

That face.

Those eyes.

It was Richard.

His father's most loyal hound.

Adrian's gaze darkened as Richard stepped forward.

A rush of memories hit Adrian like a tidal wave, each one colder than the last.

Seventeen years ago, when he was still a child, he witnessed with his own raw eyes how his father's secretary pushed his mother off a high tower.

His mother, like a shattered porcelain doll, fell to the ground right in front of him, broken into pieces, with blooding pouring out.

He was devastated and reported it to his father, hoping he would take action against that murderer, but what was the result?

Instead of bringing justice, his father casually said he was a lonely child who had imagined things; and that his mother had died by suicide.

The next day, right after his mother's death, his father married the secretary!

How could he not hate his father and that cold-blooded family for this?!

With the vivid memory coming back to life, a cold sneer curved Adrian's lips.

"Did you take a wrong turn?" he drawled, his voice laced with venom. "I don't recall summoning ghosts today."

Richard lowered his eyes and took a step forward.

"Master Adrian." He bowed respectfully.

When he straightened, he extended a sleek black envelope with a golden seal.

"As per your father's instructions," Richard said, his tone even, "I present you with this list of gifts."

Adrian's eyes narrowed as he looked at the fine polished envelope with the family crest imprinted.

A flash of disgust fleetingly passed through his eyes.

"On the occasion of your twenty-sixth birthday, your father has seen fit to bestow upon you a trust valued at one billion dollars, full ownership of Rhein Group—the city's most powerful enterprise by market value—a royal diamond heirloom card, and... this."

Richard gestured toward a tightly wrapped, square-shaped object.

Adrian let out a sharp, humorless laugh.

"Is that man already suffering from dementia at such an early age? Doesn't he remember that I severed ties with him? Why is he sending me such a big gift? Shouldn't this be for him and that bitch's son?"

CHAPTER 9- Box of Secrets

Then, he raised an eyebrow, his eyes shone with mockery.

"Oh right, I heard that bitch's barren."

He curled his lip. "What a pity."

But clearly, there was no pity in his voice.

If anything, there was hatred.

Richard's expression didn't waver, but his voice lowered, his head bowed.

"Young Master, your father has his reasons."

Adrian scoffed.

"Reasons? Can't control his lower half, huh?"

"Being so obsessed with that bitch that he could act like nothing happened with my mother's death?"

"To the hell with his reasons!"

Adrian had been tormented inside all these past years.

If he could get revenge, he definitely would, but he knew he couldn't make a move easily.

As the only legitimate heir of the Lancaster Family—one of the top three aristocratic families on the Kindoria Continent, he had known since childhood how powerful the Lancaster Family was.

It was a force even the highest rulers of the Kindoria Continent would treat with caution.

And how could he, alone, possibly deal with the head of that family?

So, over the years, he listened to his late mother's wish, living well, carrying her love for him.

But now, he saw hope!

Hope for revenge.

With the skills he had just acquired from his mother's pendant, he believed that revenge was entirely possible!

Richard remained silent, his eyes lowered still.

As a professional and loyal butler, his job was to remain silent in such a situation.

But still, pain flickered in his eyes.

However, he quickly regained his composure.

"Young master, if you refuse these gifts, they will be transferred to someone else."

Adrian's gaze sharpened.

"And? Let him give them away then."

He sneered, "I'm sure his bastards will fight their guts out for them. I'd love to watch the drama from afar."

However, what Richard said next made him freeze.

"The gifts are also partly due to your mother's efforts. If you reject them, wouldn't that be letting outsiders take advantage?"

Richard looked at Adrian with deep meaning, his eyes seemingly filled with unspoken words.

"Mostly important, all secrets surrounding your mother wil be buried forever. No revenge, no truth. Is that what you want, Young Master?"

Adrian's doubts soared and his lips pressed into a line.

What did Richard mean?

Was there more to his mother's death than he had known?

"What secrets?" he hissed, "What have you all been hidden from me?"

Richard didn't explain but simply pointed at the square package.

"The box in there contains answers. When the time is right, you will unlock it. And when you do… perhaps, you will finally understand."

His eyes gleamed with sharp intelligence.

Adrian stared at the square package.

What explanation could explain his mother's death and justify his father's indifference?

His jaw tightened and without another word, he grabbed the box and the envelope.

The moment Adrian touched the package, he briefly lost focus.

Because, at that instant, the newly gained energy within him seemed to resonate with the box within the package.

Was the box somehow related to the extraordinary pendant his mother gave him?

His eyes flickered slightly, but his expression remained cold and distant.

No matter what secrets there were, he would find them out on his own!

Seeing Adrian accepting the gifts, Richard's gaze softened with relief.

He then reminded Adrian, "Young Master, do not attempt to force this box open. If you do, its secrets will be lost forever."

Adrian's fingers twitched around the package, feeling the extraordinary energy exchange between his fingers and the box.

His lips curled into a cold smirk.

"Thanks. But from now on, it's my business alone. If your master regrets and wants them back, tell him 'no way'!"

If anyone thought they could manipulate him again, they would find themselves crushed beneath his feet.

Even if it was his own biological father.

Richard chuckled and gave a small bow, his mission complete.

Without another word, he signaled to the convoy.

The bodyguards swiftly retreated.

The luxury cars roared to life and disappeared down the road.

The crowd had long dispersed, the whispers fading into the bustle of the port.

Adrian quickly merged with the crowd, he still had unfinished business to attend to.

He was going to finalize his divorce once and for all.

CHAPTER 10- Cutting all Ties

Meanwhile, Sophia reached for the car door handle when her phone vibrated violently in her purse.

She frowned, fishing it out quickly.

The screen flashed her father's name.

"Dad?" she answered.

"Sophia, your grandfather collasped this morning! Hurry to St. John's Hospital," came her father's anxious voice from the phone.

"What?" Sophia's stomach dropped.

She only learned the day after boarding that her grandfather and father had arrived at Silver City for a market inspection.

She never expected that the next news she would hear was about her grandfather being hospitalized.

"I'm on my way!"

Sophia didn't waste a second.

The disturbing haze of the cruise, the drugging issue vanished.

Only one thing mattered now.

Her grandfather.

Meanwhile, remembering Isabelle and Lucian's disgusting plan about selling off his sister, Adrian took out his phone and dialed the number of the nanny he had hired to take care of her.

"Hello, sir?" the nanny's voice came through.

"Lock the doors. Don't let Nancy outside. Don't answer for anyone. Wait for me."

"Yes, sir." the middle-aged woman sounded frightened. "Is everything okay—?"

"Don't worry. Just do as I say."

As for those monsters, he would deal with them. Personally.

At the courthouse, Isabelle's heel tapped furiously on the floor.

Her eyes darted to her phone.

"Where the hell is that bastard? Didn't he say he will meet us here?" she snapped.

She had received Adrian's message early this morning: they would finalize their divorce here first thing after docking.

Yet now, half an hour had passed, and Adrian was still nowhere to be seen.

Not only that, she couldn't reach him at all. No reply, no phone call.

Lucian, lounging with smug indifference, stretched his arms.

"Maybe he regretted and want you back."

"What? No way," Isabelle shouted arrogantly. "I'm not having it!"

Then—click.

The doors creaked open.

Adrian walked in.

His shirt was wrinkled, and there were dried blood on his collar, making him look utterly pathetic.

But his eyes unreadable.

"Useless trash! Where the hell have you being?!"

Isabelle barked, storming toward him.

"We agreed to get divorced first thing first this morning! And you dared keep me waiting for this long?!"

"And look at the rags you're in! Are you trying to humiliate me or what? Wish I'd pity you?"

"Or do you think I'd change my mind?" She sneered. "Stop dreaming! There's no way I'm ever coming back to you."

"Even if you changed your mind, I would never." Adrian replied coldly.

"You—" Isabelle was furious.

How dared this bastard talked to her like this!

Her hand shot up for a slap.

But she never landed it.

Adrian's hand snapped forward, catching her wrist mid-air.

His grip tightened, just enough to make her flinch.

His voice was a like quiet storm.

"What right do you have to blame me?"

Fear flashed in her eyes, there was something different about Adrian.

"You made a joke out of our vows. And now you want to play the victim?"

Isabelle yanked her arm away, her face flushed.

But Lucian stepped forward, smirking.

"She was smart enough to abandon a sinking ship."

Letting out a mocking laugh, he held up the divorce documents, and handed it to Isabelle.

"You lost your company. Your dignity. Your bone. And now your wife. What else is left of the poor bastard Adrian Lancaster?"

"There's more to Adrian Lancaster than you could ever comprehend," Adrian chuckled lightly, his voice calm but cold, "You have no idea what you've just unleashed."

Isabelle let out a sharp and mocking laughter.

"Unleashed? You?" she echoed. "Well, listen up. You're nothing more than trash now."

She turned to Lucian with a smirk. "Please... Like that is supposed to scare me."

Adrian had no interest in watching a slut and her lover performing in front of him anymore.

"Let's get this over with, shall we?" he said, his patience wearing thin.

"Fool! I'd be more than happy to end all ties with you. The sooner we get divorced, the sooner I can be engaged with Lucian." Isabelle let out a cold snort.

"As for you, piece of trash—go crawl back to whatever hole you came from!"

Then, she slapped the divorce papers down on the clerk's desk.

The clerk flinched under the tension.

"U-uh… d-due to legal formalities, the divorce process could take a few weeks…"

"A month?" Isabelle snapped in rage.

"That's unacceptable!" Lucian too, turned on the clerk with fury.

"Sir, I'm sorry, but—"

"Cut the crap!" Lucian slammed his palm onto the counter, rattling the desk. "Get me your superior. Now!"

CHAPTER 11- Power Play

The clerks exchanged subtle glances of annoyance but kept their expressions professional.

Within moments, the double doors of the courtroom swung open as the superior judge stormed in.

"What's the issue here?" he barked.

Lucian crossed his arms, exuding arrogance.

"Your incompetent staff is delaying me and my fiancée. I don't have all day."

Annoyance flickered in the judge's eyes, he opened his mouth to respond, then he took a closer look at the man standing before him.

His breath hitched. His brows shot up in shock.

The man standing before him was Lucian Grayson!

Heir to the Grayson family.

Newly appointed CEO of Astra Corp.

Rumor had it he was about to strike a giant deal with the powerful local giant—Rhein Group!

His future?

Practically unstoppable!

The judge's heart pounded as he turned on his staff, his voice booming.

"Do you even know who this is?!" he roared.

The clerks flinched. The room fell into complete silence.

"Apologize! Now!" the judge barked.

The clerks scrambled, bowing their heads, their voices hurried.

"We deeply apologize, Sir. It was a mistake."

The judge himself took a step forward, forcing a sweet smile.

"Mr. Grayson, please don't be offeneded. I didn't know it were you. It was an honest mistake. Please forgive us. We will finalize the process immediately."

Lucian, now pleased and enjoying the reverent stares, smirked and flicked his wrist.

Isabelle also held her head up high, as if she was the queen herself.

"That's more like it," Lucian's voice dripped with superiority.

"Hurry up and finalize the divorce for my fiancé and her husband. Also, prepare our marriage license!" he ordered.

"Right away," the judge replied with a flattering smile before leaving.

With the judge gone, Lucian brought his gaze to Adrian.

"You see that, Lancaster?"

"That's the weight of my name. That's what real power looks like... Something you will never be able to relate to in your miserable life."

Adrian didn't respond.

Let them gloat while they still could.

Soon enough, they would understand what true power felt like.

But not now.

Moments later, the divorce decree was finalized and handed over.

Along with Lucian and Isabelles' marriage license.

Isabelle beamed, clutching the papers like a prized trophy.

She turned to Lucian, her eyes shining with admiration.

She wrapped her arms around him and pressed her body against his.

"You're amazing, darling," she purred sweetly, enjoying her moment of glory.

Around them, whispers filled the courtroom.

"She is so lucky. Landing Lucian Grayson after leaving that washed-up businessman."

"What a catch. He's rich, young, and powerful."

"Her poor ex-husband... He lost everything."

Pitying gazes flickered toward Adrian.

Some were filled with scorn, others with mockery.

Adrian, however, wasn't affected in the slightest.

A scheming, shallow slut like Isabelle wasn't worth salvaging.

As for Lucian, if he wanted to pick up someone's leftovers, he was more than welcome to do so.

Two vipers tangled in their own poison.

Adrian's smirk deepened.

He knew something they didn't.

From the new skills he had acquired, he could already sense that Lucian had an interesting illness.

And as for Isabelle? She wasn't exactly clean either.

A match made in hell.

The two of them might even have a future of mutual betrayal.

But since neither of them was a good person, let them rot together as long as they didn't harm anyone decent.

Adrian had no intention of wasting another second in this courtroom.

He turned, gripping the divorce decree firmly, ready to walk out.

But just as he stepped forward, two towering bodyguards blocked his path.

Lucian let out a slow, taunting chuckle.

"You think this is over?" he murmured, his words laced with venom. "You're nothing more than a weak, toothless stray dog. But you still need to pay for offending me."

Adrian's eyes darkened dangerously.

Lucian chuckled darkly.

"I would advice you to be smart, Lancaster. Clean up that pathetic sister of yours and deliver her to my mansion yourself. Be a good boy and maybe I will toss you a few coins and let you get a taste too."

"Is that so?"

Adrian's gaze turned ice-cold.

Before Lucian could even react—

SMACK!

CHAPTER 12- A Powerful Presence

The slap echoed like a gunshot in the courtroom.

Lucian staggered back, crashing against a chair before stumbling onto the polished floor.

Adrian stepped forward slowly, his tone colder than death.

"I swear..." he said, voice controlled but seething, "If you ever threaten her again, I will end you myself."

Gasps filled the air.

Isabelle's eyes widened in horror.

"Lucian!" She rushed toward him.

Lucian clutched his cheek, his head still reeling from the force of Adrian's slap.

His breath came in ragged gasps, disbelief flashing in his eyes.

He had expected Adrian to cower, to grovel but not to slap him.

His gaze snapped to the two bodyguards.

"What are you waiting for? Break him!"

The stunned guards sprang into action, they lunged toward Adrian with their fists clenched.

But Adrian Lancaster didn't move.

He didn't flinch.

Instead, he adjusted his cufflinks with a smirk on his lips as the bodyguards closed in.

He was more than ready to face them.

With his newly gained martial art skill, he could take down each of them with just a single blow.

But before any of them could land a single punch, there was a sudden screech of tires.

Gasps erupted from the crowd as a stretch, luxurious Rolls-Royce, flanked by two black Ford, rolled to a halt in front of the courthouse.

The air crackled with tension as the doors swung open.

Several imposing men in tailored black suits stepped out first, their movements precise and calculated.

They exuded an aura of absolute authority, their cold eyes scanning the scene.

From it stepped Sophia Aldridge — heels clicking with commanding grace, beauty radiant, and presence magnetic.

She didn't need to speak to silence a room.

Her presence was magnetic, a woman who commanded attention without uttering a single word.

"Damn, who's that stunning goddess?!"

Whispers erupted like wildfire.

"Isn't that Sophia Aldridge? The top beauty CEO?" Someone gasped, recognizing her.

"What's so special about her? Never heard of her," someone asked cursiously.

"What?! You've never heard of her? At least you know the legendary Aldridge Family—number one socialite clan in the northern region of our continent, right? She's their eldest daughter!"

Not only was the Aldridge Family one of the three ruling families in the northern region of Eldran Continent, they were also a powerhouse across the military, politcial, and business worlds, far beyond the reach of the Grayson family or the Astra Corp.

The moment Sophia Aldridge entered, thefew who had heard of her before couldn't help butbuzzed with speculation.

"I heard she's still single, right? Is she here to register a marriage?"

The thought shatteredthemen's hearts with jealousy.

Sophia ignored the chatter and stares.

Her sharp eyes scanned the room and locked onto one man.

Adrian Lancaster.

Lucian, still clutching his face from Adrian's brutal slap,alsocaught sight of the stunningly beautiful lady.

The moment he recognized who she was,heinstantly straightened up.

"Damn so hot! She is even finer in person."

He muttered under his breath and his eyes gleamed with excitement as he adjusted his suit.

Adrian, on the other hand, remained impassive.

He was the only one who was not moved by her presence.

Lucian's heart pounded with excitement as Sophia Aldridge drew closer.

He had admired her from afar, but her family's overwhelming power made her seem unreachable.

Never in his wildest dreams did he think she would approach him so directly.

Was today his lucky day?!

His name was nowhere near as big as hers, of course.

But as the heir of the Grayson family and the CEO of Astra Corp, he wasn'tjust some nobodyeither.

And once he secured that massive investment from the Rhein Group, his future would be limitless—surely not too far behind Sophia Aldridge's, right?

In Lucian's mind, there was no doubt—she was here for him.

Who else could be worthy?

Straightening his suit, he stepped forward eagerly, flashing a confident smile.

Isabelle's blood boiled at the sight.

Her eyes burned with jealousy and frustration.

She had just secured Lucian, yet here he was, drooling over another woman!

How could he do such a thing after all the love he was professing to her last night?

Her grip tightened on his arm, but he shook her off, too entranced by Sophia's presence to care.

This was an opportunity and he wasn't going to let anything ruin it.

He stepped forward, ready to greet her with an outstretched hand—

Only for Sophia to walk right past him.

Lucian blinked in confusion, his smirk vanishing.

She did not even spared him a glance.

Instead, her gaze locked onto Adrian Lancaster.

The courtroom fell silent as gasps rippled through the crowd.

"What? She ignored Lucian Grayson?"

The crowed stiffened in shock as Sophia ran over, reached out and grabbed Adrian's hand.

Her face face filled with urgency and relief.

The murmurs intensified.

"No way! The top beauty CEO is holding his hand?"

"What's going on here?"

Given Sophia's background and Adrian's situation, they were clearly from different world.

Yet now, it looked like Sophia was here for that bum Adrian?!

Lucian's expression twisted into one of disbelief and embarrasement as his hand remained outstretched in the air.

His awkwardness quickly shifted to rage and jealousy.

"Wait a damn minute—"

But Sophia didn't give him the chance.

All her attention waslockedon Adrian.

"Finally... Ifound you... you're the only one who can help me now!"

She said, her voice filled with desperation, tears forming in her eyes.

CHAPTER 13- Last Hope

When she got to the hospital, she realized that her grandfather's life was hanging by a thread.

The best doctors from around the country stood helpless.

But then... she remembered Adrian.

She remembered how Adrian had immediately noticed she had been drugged and how he helped her cure her asthma attack.

That kind of awareness wasn't normal.

In her desperation, she pulled every string she had this morning and quickly dug up all of Adrian's information she could come across.

She even learned that he was scheduled to finalize a divorce with Isabelle today.

So she rushed over, hoping to track him down.

And now, here he was... hopefully, he could save her grandfather.

She prayed inwardly.

"Please you have to help me. Now." she whispered, her grip tightened as she tried to drag Adrian toward the door.

Lucian stood frozen in confusion and shock.

Those who, like Lucian, knew exactly who Sophia Aldridge was... were equally dumbfounded.

Sophia Aldridge, the untouchable queen of Silver City, holding the hand of a drainded trash like Adrian—and pleading with him like her life depended on it?

How could that be possible?!

Their brains could not just comprehend it.

Isabelle's expression also twisted with disbelief.

Meanwhile, Adrian looked down at Sophia's hand gripping his.

"Didn't you say you wanted nothing more to do with me?" he said in a low calm tone, laced with a slight hint of sarcasm.

He tilted his head slightly. "Why come to me now, then?"

Sophia's lips parted, "I—"

But before she could answer, a sharp, venomous voice cut through the tense silencelike a knife.

"Who the hell are you, bitch?!"

Isabelle snapped arrogantly, her tone dripping with disdain.

"Can't you see my fiancé is dealing with that bastard? If you know what's good for you, drag your cheap ass out of here before I make you crawl!"

She had never seen Sophia before and had no clue who she was.

All she knew was that this woman was stunning—way more beautiful than her.

Her presence alone caused a stir among the onlookers, and that made Isabelle boil with jealousy.

She hated it.

Sophia let out a cold laugh.

"You must be Adrian's wife—Isabelle, right?"

She'd already guessed her identity.

"That's right! But I'm already divorced from him!"

Isabelle held up her chin.

"A loser like that? A washed-up bastard with nothing to his name? I couldn't get rid of him fast enough. And you—"

Isabelle let out a cold, mocking laugh.

"You actually jumped into his arms like he's some kind of prize? Gosh, you're a pathetic slut!"

"But what can I say? You two must be cut from the same filthy cloth."

"A slut and a mutt. What a perfect match—may you rot together."

Isabelle sneered, her face twisted with contempt and mockery.

Sophia's expression turned ice-cold in an instant as she slowly stepped forward.

Once.

Twice.

The sound of her heels echoed like a countdown to war.

She stopped right in front of Isabelle — who suddenly looked much smaller.

"YoudaredinsultedMr Lancaster and me?"

Sophia's voice was low—calm, almost soft—but it carried the kind of pressure that made Isabelle's spine prick.

"Oh please! What did I lie?"

Isabelle scoffed, rolling her eyes.

"Isn't that bastard a mutt I've just dumped? And you? Picking up a mutt someone else dumped—if that's not trash behavior, then what is?"

Sneering, Isabelle added.

"Tell me, which part stung more? Being called a bitch, or a slut matched to a mutt?"

Sophia stopped just inches from Isabelle.

Then a slow, chilling smile crept across her lips.

And without warning—

SLAP!

A vicious slap exploded across Isabelle's cheek, echoing like a gunshot through the courtroom.

Everyone went silent.

Isabelle stumbled back, clutching her burning cheek.

"Y-You crazy bitch! You dare slap me? I'll make you pay for this!"

Her eyes blazed red with rage as she lunged at Sophia, fingers curled like claws.

Sophia was lightning-fast—she spun and delivered a stinging slap to Isabelle's other cheek.

Humiliated and unaccustomed to such treatment, Isabelle staggered back, grinding her teeth.

"You bitch!Do you know who my fiancé is?!"

"He is the heir of renowned Grayson family and the CEO of Astra Corp in Silver City! You're dead!"

"Oh yeah? Then why don't you ask yourfiancé—does he even dare run his mouth at me?"

Sophia sneered sarcastically, her eyes filled with disdain.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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The door to Room 308 creaked open, and I froze.

Inside, gasps and moans spilled from the bedroom. "Honey, I’ve been holding back for days…" That voice—Lucian Grayson. My blood turned to ice. Then came her: "Take them off, will you? Ahh~~"

Isabelle. My wife. The woman I donated my bone marrow to save.

Three years ago, we fell in love at a banquet. She got sick. I sold everything to keep her alive. Now, she was cheating—with my sworn enemy—while pregnant with what I thought was our child.

I stepped forward, fists clenched. But then I heard it: "Should I ask for a divorce tomorrow? And the day after… a prenatal check?"

My breath caught.

"Don’t worry," Lucian laughed. "Every asset he had is under my name. And that idiot still doesn’t know the baby isn’t his."

A knife twisted in my chest. Everything—the love, the marriage, the sacrifice—was a lie.

Then Isabelle whispered, "Once I knock him out… you come later and dump him into the ocean. We’ll make it look like an accident."

They weren’t just stealing my life.

They were planning to erase me.

I gripped the doorframe, rage boiling in my veins.

Do I burst in and confront them?

Or do I vanish… and return as something far more dangerous?