Ch. 641..650
Chapter 641
Thea got ten billion dollars from James. She carefully made plans for the money.
She had been grateful for her family’s upbringing, so now that she had money, she did not forget to give her parents 100 million dollars each. However, Benjamin’s 100 million was taken by Gladys as soon as he got the money from her.
Thea was speechless after she found out.
Then, she secretly gave Benjamin one million dollars and told her to spend it.
Benjamin was an honest man with no status in the Callahans. Still, it did not stop him from having rich hobbies.
He had always loved antiques and studied them for a long time. Now that he had some money, he came to Antique Street to see if he could pick up some good deals.
Nothing had caught his eye after shopping for the whole day. Walking along Antique Street, he arrived at Sovereign Antique Shop’s entrance before he knew
He raised his head at the Sovereign Antique Shop’s signboard. As a local of Cansington and an antique lover, it was impossible for him not to have heard of Sovereign Antique Shop. This was a very famous shop, and rumors outside claimed that there were no fakes in the Sovereign Antique Shop. The shop promises to pay ten folds the price if the product you buy from them is fake.
He had never dared to enter such a store before because everything in the store was priced from ten thousand onward.
Now that he had money, he finally felt confident to enter the shop.
He walked into Sovereign Antique Shop. “Welcome, Sir.” Just as he entered, a young lady in a revealing dress approached him. This was one of the store’s salespeople that specialized in selling antiques. Their salary depended on their performance. Thus, the more things they sell, the higher the commission. The sexy lady was about 25 or 26 years old. She wore a red dress that was relatively short, only reaching the base of her thighs which completely exposed her long slender legs.
“Sir, what are you looking for? Porcelain or paintings?” The young lady walked over to Benjamin and hooked her arms on his. Benjamin’s body trembled,
He would be dead if the tigress at home found out about this.
However, he already knew that such a big store would have good service. Beautiful women greeted customers inside the store, and upon successful transactions, customers would be allowed to take them outside.
“I-I’ll just have a look around,” Benjamin stuttered from nervousness.
“This way, please.” The young lady led Benjamin to a corner of the antique shop and introduced the products,“ The antiques in this year date back to the year sixteen hundred to the early years of nineteen hundred. The prices aren’t too expensive, ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands.”
The young lady was very professional and patiently introduced the products. She knew each antique’s origin and value. However, Benjamin did not seem satisfied.
Eventually, the young lady led Benjamin to the second floor. She pointed to an area and said,” Everything over there is antiques from the six hundred AD to nine hundred AD. They’re slightly pricier and have a higher collection value.”
She pointed to a jade plate and advertised, That used to belong to a royal family. It used to be the treasure of the royal king. Even after so many years, it maintained a crystal clear appearance.”
The young lady’s name was Jasmine Scott.
She was pretty observant and noticed that Benjamin was interested in things related to jade along the way. Thus, she deliberately marketed the jade plate to him.
“This jade plate was sold for more than one million dollars a year ago. However, just in one year, it had risen to more than three million dollars. The current price is three million eight hundred thousand dollars. The market value will surely increase in a few more years, and it wouldn’t be a problem to sell it for more than four to five million dollars.”
“Really?” Benjamin asked curiously. “Of course, everything in this store has been certified by professional experts, and all have an authentication certificate. We offer a ten-fold compensation if anything you buy is discovered to be fake, so do rest assured.”
“Can I take a look at it?”
Benjamin stared at the crystal clear jade plate on the counter. He was really interested in the jade plate “Sure.” Jasmine retrieved the keys, opened the transparent counter, and said, “Have a look but please be careful. This thing is worth a fortune so if it breaks, you will have to compensate it according to its price.” “Yes, I understand.”
Benjamin nodded.
He looked at the jade plate and carefully picked it up. The pattern and the texture of it. He was deeply in love with the jade plate.
He held onto it and inspected it left and right. The more he looked, the more he liked it.
Chapter 642
Unfortunately, it was too expensive for him. Although Thea had given him one million dollars, the jade plate cost more than three million. He carefully placed it back. However, he was incredibly nervous and cautious that he accidentally touched the cabinet and did not have a firm grip on the jade plate, resulting in it falling directly to the ground. Bang! The jade plate shattered into pieces in an instant. “This…”
Benjamin was immediately dumbfounded and stood aside, staring at it blankly.
Seeing this, Jasmine’s face also darkened. She reprimanded him angrily, “Sir, I already reminded you to be careful. You will have to compensate us according to the selling price if you break it.”
“I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to drop it.”
Benjamin kept apologizing.
“Is apologizing going to help? It’s worth three million and eight hundred thousand dollars. You should compensate us according to the price. Otherwise, you won’t be able to leave our shop today!” Jasmine threatened him coldly and immediately took out her phone to call the Sovereign Antique Shop’s boss.
“Sir, a guest had accidentally broken a jade plate from six hundred AD to nine hundred AD area. After making the call, she stood aside and stared coldly at Benjamin’s pale face. Benjamin was absent-minded, and he was completely lost.
Soon, the boss, Yuri, came over.
There were a few muscular men with him.
“Sir, you should already know the rules. You break it, you compensate according to its selling price. This jade plate belongs to the six hundred AD to nine hundred AD period and is worth three million and eight hundred thousand. I won’t make it difficult for you and will give you a discount. You’ll only have to pay three million and five hundred thousand dollars, and you can bring these fragments back to be repaired by an expert. Although it won’t be worth three hundred and five hundred thousand anymore, you can probably still sell it for two million dollars.”
“I-L..Sir, I didn’t do this on purpose. I really didn’t do it on purpose. I… I don’t have money.” “You don’t have money?”
Yuri’s face darkened, and he took a few steps back. Immediately, the muscular meng behind him stepped forward.
Yuri ordered, “Beat him. We’ll talk after he gets a beating. Also, don’t beat him here. Drag him downstairs and beat him up on the streets as a warning to others.”
Benjamin was forcefully dragged down the stairs by two strong men. “Sir, I didn’t mean to do it. I really didn’t do it on purpose. Please just let me go…” Benjamin shouted.
First floor, lounge area. James had been waiting for a long time but the chest he had asked for had not been presented to him yet.
He was not in a rush, so he leaned back on the sofa and quietly smoked a cigarette.
At this moment, he saw two strong men dragging a middle-aged man down from the second floor directly to the streets. The middle-aged man was pleading with them.
Seeing who it was, James frowned. “Why is Benjamin here?” As far as he knew, Benjamin was useless and had no status in the Callahans. He did not dare to refute a word Gladys said.
“Cynthia, you sit here for a while. I’ll go out to have a look.” James got up and walked out of the shop.
Cynthia was curious and followed after him.
On the streets. Benjamin was thrown to the ground and let out desolate screams as he was punched and kicked.
After a beating, Yuri came over, stepped on him, and looked down at him.
“We have rules at Sovereign Antique Shop. Since you don’t have money to pay after breaking things in our shop, you should use parts of your body to pay for it! This is a rule everyone knows about! Tell me, do you want to keep your hands or legs? This scene attracted the attention of many people passing by.
“Who is this person? How could he be so careless and break something in Sovereign Antique Shop?”
“Who gave him the courage to go inside without money?”
“I remember the last time someone broke an antique in there, he got his legs broken and had to spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair.”
The onlookers pointed and discussed the commotion.
James stood aside and watched. He did not want to interfere since he had nothing to do with Thea anymore. The life and death of the Callahans was none of his business.
Yet, seeing Benjamin’s black and blue face as he constantly begged for mercy, James simply could not bear it.
He walked over and stopped them.
“What are you guys doing?” Yuri saw that it was James and immediately stopped.
He turned toward James and said with a smile, “He broke an antique and a shop but has no money to pay. According to our rules…”
Seeing that the person being beaten was Thea’s father, Cynthia also stepped forward and said, “How much is it? I’ll pay for it.”
Chapter 643
Cynthia walked over and helped Benjamin up from the ground. “Uncle, are you alright?” she asked with concern.
Benjamin was beaten until his face was black and blue, with blood flowing from the corner of his mouth.
“No, I‘m fine,” Benjamin shook his head and replied. Yuri smiled.
“Since Ms. Dawn is willing to pay for him, everything is resolved.” Then, he turned to Benjamin and said, “Get lost.”
“James...” Benjamin looked at James and was hesitant to speak.
He wanted to say something but swallowed the words.
James was no longer his son–in–law since he had already divorced Thea.
James glanced at him and turned to Cynthia. “Why are you paying for him? Do you have a lot of money? The Callahans have money and don‘t need your few million dollars,” said James.
“James, isn‘t he your...” Cynthia paused as she suddenly remembered that James had divorced Thea, and she stopped speaking.
“Seeing that we used to be a family, I‘ve already helped you. However, I’m not obliged to help you pay for it. You should call Thea and ask her for the money,” James said as he glanced at Benjamin.
After speaking, James turned around and left.
Cynthia did not say much and simply followed James into Sovereign Antique Shop again.
Yuri glanced at the muscular men beside him.
The muscular man immediately understood and forcibly dragged Benjamin back into Sovereign Antique Shop. Then, Benjamin was tied up, and his phone was confiscated.
The man found Thea‘s phone number in his address book and immediately phoned her. They demanded for she brings the money to redeem Benjamin. Sovereign Antique Shop, lounge area.
“James, even if you divorced Thea, he used to be your father–in–law. How could you be so heartless? It‘s only a few million dollars and just some numbers to me,” Cynthia said and pouted
“I have already stepped forward to help him and stop his suffering. It‘s the best I can do for him. I know you‘re not short on money, but it‘s not for you to use it on such things.”
James forcefully came up with an explanation.
He, himself, was not sure what he was doing right now. Cynthia thought for a while and smiled. “I see, James! You‘re using this as an opportunity to see Thea, right?”
Hearing Cynthia‘s words, James‘ heart skipped a beat. ‘Am I trying to use it as an opportunity to see Thea? Is that so?‘
He gently shook his head. Even he was unsure of whether that was the case for him to act in such ways. Cynthia immediately knew that she was right after seeing James‘ expression. She did not say anything more and sat aside to rest. James was absent–minded for a bit. Then, he took out his phone to play Plants Vs. Zombies.
After Thea received the call from Sovereign Antique Shop, she quickly rushed over. She appeared in Sovereign Antique Shop in less than half an hour. As soon as she entered the shop, she saw James and Cynthia sitting together in the lounge area. Her brows immediately furrowed as she walked over. She folded her arms and glanced at James coldly, “Why are you here, James?”
James raised his head and saw Thea.
After becoming rich, Thea transformed herself. She was dressed in famous brands and radiated a charismatic aura of a noble lady. “Why can‘t I be here?” James replied casually. Thea glanced at Cynthia, who was beside James, and mocked, “You sure are fast. As soon as you‘ve divorced, you have already found another woman. You must‘ve wanted the divorce long ago, right?”
“Don‘t say such nonsense, Thea. I‘m not in that sort of relationship with James,” Cynthia stood up and explained. “Shut up. I‘m talking to James. Who are you to interfere?” Thea shouted furiously. Thea showed no respect to Cynthia.
She did not bother speaking politely, even if it was Zane‘s spoiled and treasured daughter she was talking to.
She was unsure of the reason for her actions.
However, seeing James with another woman made her uncomfortable.
Perhaps, it was jealousy.
She was jealous that James was getting along with Cynthia and would inherit Zane‘s wealth and assets.
James was dissatisfied with her behavior. “Thea, did she provoke or offend you?”
“What‘s the matter? Are you trying to protect her? I only said a few words, and you‘re so eager to speak for her?” Thea sneered,
Chapter 644
“You‘re causing trouble without reason. I’m too lazy to bother speaking with you.” James lit a cigarette and ignored Thea. At this moment, Yuri brought Benjamin over to them.
“Thea, your father broke a jade plate from six hundred AD to nine hundred AD worth three million eight hundred thousand dollars. I‘ll give you a discount. It‘ll only be three million and five hundred thousand dollars for it. Then, you can take your father.”
Thea was furious when she saw Benjamin‘s bruised appearance as several muscular men dragged him. She turned around and blamed, “What are you doing, James? Since you‘re here, why did you let my dad get beaten?” Thea knew James‘ skills. These muscular men were no match for James at all. James was present in Sovereign Antique Shop but allowed her father to get beaten black and blue.
“I‘ve already taken action to stop it. He would‘ve been hurt even worse if I didn‘t stop them,” James said indifferently. “You took action? Would my dad get beaten up to this point if you took action? You‘re purposely taking revenge on me, right? You‘re trying to take revenge for divorcing you, right?!!”
“Thea, stop it. He really did help me. I would‘ve been beaten to death if it wasn‘t for him,” Benjamin explained.
Yuri said coldly, “Thea, whatever conflicts you have should be dealt with outside of my shop. Are you going to pay or not?” Thea glanced at Benjamin and asked, “Dad, did you really break an antique in the shop?”
“I–I didn‘t do it on purpose,” Benjamin explained.
Thea glared at Yuri and said coldly, “I‘ll pay for the thing he broke. However, you hurt my dad, so how will we settle this?”
“Oh?”
Yuri glanced at Thea and smiled. “You‘re the first one that dared to talk to me with such a tone. Since you‘ve brought it up, let‘s talk about it. The jade plate is worth three hundred and eight hundred thousand dollars, but I‘m only charging you three hundred and five hundred thousand, The remaining three hundred thousand discounts should be enough for medical expenses, right?”
“You...”
Thea trembled furiously.
Yuri was too lazy to continue this nonsense with Thea and simply stepped back.
Several strong men stepped forward and surrounded Thea.
Thea was frightened. She gritted her teeth and agreed, “Fine, I‘ll pay for it.” She reluctantly paid the 3.5 million dollars. Then, she pulled Benjamin and left.
However, Benjamin requested the shattered jade plate and the authentication certificate of it from Yuri.
Just like that, he took the shattered jade pieces and left.
From start to end, James remained silent.
After James and Benjamin left, Cynthia asked, “James, you and Thea used to be so in love. How did it end up like this? You two looked like archenemies.”
“In love?”
James laughed sarcastically and said, “It was a one–sided relationship from start to end. I never had a place in her heart.”
“Still."
James waved his hands and interrupted Cynthia‘s words. “That‘s enough.” “Alright.” Cynthia stopped pursuing the matter. James raised his voice and asked, “Sir, has the thing I‘ve asked for arrived?”
Yuri walked over, sat down, lit a cigarette, and handed it to James with a smile. “Don‘t you worry, Mr. Caden. It‘s already on the way and should be here in ten minutes. I‘ll warn you first that the chest is a priceless treasure. Will you be able to afford it?”
James took the cigarette he handed over and replied indifferently, “As long as it‘s really unearthed from the ancient tomb of the Prince of Orchid Mountain, I‘ll pay any amount for it.”
At the same time, outside of Sovereign Antique Shop.
Thea glared at Benjamin furiously.
“Dad, when will you ever change? Do you want to stay so useless for the rest of your life?”
Benjamin lowered his head and said nothing.
Thea‘s chest heaved in anger.
“I don‘t know what else to say about you.”
Benjamin whispered, “Thea, don‘t tell your mother about this. She‘ll definitely scold me again if she finds out.”
“Alright. I know. I won‘t tell her about it. Go back yourself. I still have some business to settle.”
Thea left a few words and turned to leave.
Chapter 645
Sovereign Antique Shop, lounge area. James was still playing with Plants Vs. Zombies, but Thea‘s appearance kept popping up in his mind.
Maybe Cynthia was right about him. He did not let her pay because and wanted them to get Thea to come so he could see her.
He had a lot of things he wanted to say to Thea, but he could not say a word after seeing her again.
It all felt unnecessary. His heart felt contradictory and complicated. It was an unprecedented feeling.
Cynthia was also very sensible and did not disturb him.
Time passed by slowly. Ten minutes later, a few muscular men dressed in black suits approached him. One of them was carrying a black safe in his hands.
“Sir, we‘ve brought it.” Yuri nodded.
“Alright.” He glanced at James and said, “Mr. Caden, let‘s head up to my office to open it.” James stood up.
“This way, please,” Yuri gestured to him upstairs and immediately walked in front to lead the way. Yuri led James and Cynthia to an office on the second floor.
Then, he entered a password on the black safe and opened it. Inside the safe was a small chest. It was a bronze and rusty square chest with a diameter of about ten centimeters.
“This is the chest that was unearthed from the ancient tomb of the Prince of Orchid Mountain.” Yuri took out the small bronze chest and handed it to James.
James took it. Although the chest was small, it was relatively heavy and probably about 2 kilograms. He then inspected it.
There were mysterious patterns engraved on it that looked like pictographs. Unfortunately, James was unsure of what it meant. At the same time, he noticed a small keyhole in it. Yuri explained, “This small chest is extraordinary. It‘s made of special materials and is incredibly rigid. It was impossible to open it even if advanced technology and the contents inside are unknown,”
James inspected it for a white more and placed it on the table.
“How did you get your hands on it?” he asked.
Yuri did not hide the truth and answered honestly, “Some time ago, a gang of grave robbers sneaked into the ancient tomb of the Prince of Orchid Mountain and found the chest box, However, someone snatched it and brought it to Cansington. After some back and forth, it eventually landed in Sovereign Antique Shop.”
James thought briefly and said, “Give me a price.”
“A hundred million,” Yuri offered instantly.
“Alright, deal.”
James did not even bargain.
One hundred million was astronomical for ordinary people, but it was nothing to him.
He took out his Black Dragon card and said, “Swipe my card.”
Yuri glanced at the Black Dragon card, and his heart was shaken. However, he maintained a poker face as he swiped the card.
After making payment, James put the small bronze–colored chest into the safe and left with it in hand.
After he left, Yuri took out his phone and dialed a number.
“I‘ve handed the chest over to James.”
A voice sounded from the other end of the phone.
“Alright, noted. You don‘t have to worry about the rest.”
“Understood.”
Yuri hung up the phone. Outside Sovereign Antique Shop.
Cynthia asked doubtfully, “James, what‘s this small chest? Why did you spend a hundred million to buy it?” “I don‘t know either. I‘ll head back first,” James shook his head as he replied. James took a taxi directly back to Goodview Villa District.
Goodview Villa District, the House of Royals.
Living room
James opened the safe, took out the bronze–colored chest, and pulled out the key that Scarlett had passed to him some time ago. He inserted it into the keyhole,
The key was inserted easily.
At this moment, James became nervous.
‘What the heck is in this bronze–colored chest?
‘Are the contents related to the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside‘s Edge?
‘Would I be able to unravel the secrets hidden in the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside‘s Edge? “ thought James.
Chapter 646
James held his breath. Cynthia also watched attentively. She was also curious about the contents in the chest that James was willing to spend 100 million to purchase. At the same time, she was also suspicious of why James had the keys to open the chest.
Under Cynthia‘s gaze, James gently turned the key.
A crisp and loud sound resounded.
The bronze–colored chest slightly popped open.
James‘ eyes were glued on the chest. Inside the chest was a folded scroll. He carefully took it out. The ancient scroll was made of unique material, keeping it well preserved.
At the same time, it was relatively heavy. James unfolded it and spread it out on the table. The ancient scroll was enormous, reaching a length of one meter when it was unfolded.
“W–What is this?”
Cynthia glanced at the drawings on the ancient scroll and was puzzled.
“Is this a scroll of meridians and acupuncture points?” she asked.
James carefully observed the scroll.
Eighteen little figures were drawn on the scroll. Each figure was marked with some red dots and lines. James was an expert in medical skills and knew the structure of meridians and acupuncture points of the human body very well. At a glance, he immediately knew that these were markings of meridians and acupuncture points on the human body.
He touched his chin and murmured doubtfully, “This looks like a simple map of acupuncture points and meridians. What does it have to do with the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside‘s Edge?”
James understood the markings of the acupuncture and meridians on the scroll. They were very ordinary, and there was nothing special about them.
In fact, some markings even violated medical reasoning and made no sense for treatment, conflicting with the medical skills he had learned in the past.
“Who released the information that this ancient chest can unlock the secrets of the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside‘s Edge?”
James was perplexed.
Wames, are you referring to the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside‘s Edge that has been passed down for a thousand years? The one with a market price of one billion eight hundred million dollars?” asked Cynthia.
James nodded.
“Yeah.”
He folded the ancient scroll, put it back into the chest, and locked it inside the safe again. Then, he put it away in a big safe inside the House of Royal.”
He obtained the chest unearthed from the ancient tomb of the Prince of Orchid Mountain. He had also seen the contents of it. Still, he had no idea what it had to do with the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside‘s Edge. To unravel the secrets, he must find the person who released the information. Moreover, he would also have to find the genuine Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside‘s Edge painting
After putting everything away, he sat on the sofa, smoking a cigarette while deep in thought.
Cynthia did not disturb him after seeing that he was lost in his thoughts. After he finished smoking his cigarette, James took a deep breath and muttered, “It seems I‘ll have to meet the Emperor.”
At this moment, the Emperor was already on a plane back to the Capital.
“Cynthia, does your father have a private plane?”
“Yeah. Why?” Quincy nodded and asked.
“Let me borrow your dad‘s private plan. I need to go to the Capital,” said James.
“Sure. I‘ll call him right now.” Cynthia called her father and quickly resolved the matter.
After getting permission, James and Cynthia traveled to the Capital together on Zane‘s private plane.
In the afternoon, the two appeared in Sol‘s Capital–a prosperous metropolis with a pivotal position globally.
On the bustling streets.
Cynthia followed closely behind James and asked curiously, “James, why did you suddenly want to come to the Capital? Who are you trying to look for in the Capital?”
“I‘m going to see the Five Commanders‘ leader and the commander of the Red Flame Army, the Emperor,” James replied sternly.
“What?”
“Why do you need to see him?” Cynthia was startled by his answer and continued to ask.
“Ask him for the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside‘s Edge,” James answered truthfully.
Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside‘s Edge was a family heirloom handed down in the Cadens. He firmly believed that the Emperor had the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside‘s Edge.
This time, he vowed to force the Emperor to hand over the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside‘s
Edge no matter what.
Chapter 647
Sol‘s Capital, a courtyard house.
This was the Emperor‘s Mansion, the residence of the Emperor the Five Commander‘s leader and the commander of the Red Flame army.
The Emperor had already returned to the Capital.
In the courtyard, under a gazebo. A middle–aged man dressed in a black suit was speaking to a young man in his twenties. “Brother Caden, I haven‘t seen you in several years. You were still in high school the last time I saw you. What brings you here today?”
The middle–aged man in the black suit was the Emperor.
“Mr. Johnston, to be honest, my family has received news that a chest from the ancient tomb of the Prince of Orchid Mountain appeared in Cansington. We‘ve also been informed that Thomas‘ descendant has his hands on it. Grandpa sent me here for two purposes. One is to retrieve the chest, the other is to kill the descendant of the family‘s traitor, Thomas.”
The young man explained his motives.
He was a handsome man dressed in a white shirt that spoke calmly and with a conceited expression.
The Emperor was a member of the Johnstons, one of the Ancient Four. His real name was Theodore Johnston.
He glanced at the young man in front of him and said smilingly, “I‘m afraid it won‘t be easy to kill James. Are you not aware of his achievements? He has been a soldier for ten years and has climbed the rankings from a mere soldier to the Commander of the Black Dragon Army. Despite resigning, he has the Blade of Justice, and no one in Sol can kill him.”
The young man snorted and said coldly, “Who can stop the Cadens from getting rid of a traitor?”
“No one, of course.”
The Emperor smiled and said again, “Despite that, he has a lot of authority right now. The Cadens have never been interested in the affairs of the outside world. However, killing James right now will cause public outrage. I‘ve already received news that James has shown up in Capital. He must have already obtained the chest that was unearthed from the ancient tomb of the Prince of Orchid Mountain and acquired the content capable of unraveling the secrets of the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside‘s Edge. I‘m sure that‘s why
Chapter 648
The Emperor smiled and said nothing more.
Soon, a man and woman walked toward them. It was James and Cynthia.
The Emperor immediately stood up and opened his arms to hug James. “James, what a rare visitor!” James lifted his foot and kicked the Emperor as he said coldly, “Don’t put on an act. You know why I’m here.”
The Emperor quickly dodged his kick and took a few steps backward. “What do you mean, James? I’ve no idea why you’ve come to see me,” the Emperor said with a puzzled expression.
“You’re James?”
A voice sounded.
James heard the voice and turned toward the source. A young man in his twenties stood up. He was dressed in a white shirt, looking at him disdainfully. “Who are you?” James frowned. Bobby glanced at James and said calmly, “Bobby Caden.” James’ brows furrowed deeper.
‘Who is this person?’ The Emperor smiled and said, “James, let me introduce you. This is Bobby from the Cadens of the Ancient Four. His grandfather is your granduncle. Strictly speaking, he’s your cousin.”
Bobby said coldly, “Thirty years ago, Thomas Caden stole our family treasure and was long expelled from the Cadens. He was a traitor to our family and deserved to die. Since you’re his descendent, you should die too!”
“Since you have the treasure chest that was unearthed from the ancient tomb of the Prince of Orchid Mountain, hand it over to me, and I’ll let you die with your whole body intact.”
Bobby was arrogant.
He did not take James seriously at all.
The Emperor smiled and asked, “James, you came to me because you think the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge is with me and must be here to retrieve it, right? However, the truth is that the Cadens caused your family’s demise. They are the ones who retrieved the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge. Since you’re looking for it, you should ask Bobby about
“Is that so?”
James showed a hint of shock.
He knew that the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge had fallen into an influential figure’s hands in the Capital and always thought the Emperor was the one that had it.
This was because the Emperor had countless schemes, and everything was always linked to him.
James never expected his family’s demise to be caused by the Cadens.
His eyes were fixated on Bobby.
Bobby walked to him slowly.
An extraordinary aura exuded from his body.
His aura slightly took James by surprise.
“Remnant of the traitor, kneel!” He came to James, raised his palm, and suddenly pressed it on James’ shoulder, forcing him to kneel.
James raised his hand and resisted.
At that moment, he felt the heavy weight on his resisting hand, and his knee slightly bent, showing signs of falling to his knees. There was a storm in his heart.
‘He is incredibly strong.
‘This young man called Bobby looks to be only in his twenties but has extraordinary strength.
‘He was not inferior to the SSS-ranked assassins.’
James’ face darkened. Suddenly, he raised his hand and quickly punched Bobby’s chest.
Bobby did not expect James to be so strong. He quickly retracted his hand and blocked the punch.
Their fists met.
Crack! Instantly, the sound of broken joints resounded. Bobby was forced a few meters back from the strong momentum. He felt a severe pain spreading from his fists, and he felt weak in his arm. His face darkened as he glared at James.
James retracted his fists and said indifferently, “Since the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge is with you, hand it over.
Chapter 649
“Haha!”
Bobby laughed coldly as if he had just heard the funniest joke of his life.
“What are you saying, James? How dare you ask me for the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge? The Cadens are the protectors of the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge painting. You’re the descendant of the Cadens’ traitor. You’re just a remnant of a family that deserved to die. You also deserve to die!”
James’ face darkened.
He slowly walked toward Bobby.
The Emperor quickly walked over and stood in front of James.
What are you trying to do, James? Do you know who he is? He is the direct descendant of the Cadens and the future head of the Cadens. You’re just a descendant of the Cadens’ traitor. It’s already disrespectful enough that you didn’t kneel to greet the future head of the family.”
“Get out of the way,” James roared. His voice sounded like the rumble of thunder, making the Emperor stunned. The Emperor was only able to regain his senses after a few seconds. In fact, he simply came to put on a show and said a few words:
He slowly backed away.
Bobby glared at James, that had a furious and terrifying expression, and slowly walked toward him.
‘D*mn it. Why is this guy so strong?‘ Bobby was shocked by James’ strength.
After a head-on punch with James, his joints were shattered, and he could not gather strength in his arm.
“Do you have a death wish, James?” Bobby growled furiously. James stopped in front of him and lifted him as he said coldly, “My grandfather, my father, and dozens of people in my family were killed by the Cadens?”
“Yes.”
Bobby did not deny it.
“Thomas deserved to die. He stole the family’s treasure and fled to Cansington. He is a traitor to our family. According to the family rules, he had to die, and so do you.” “I’ll kill you first.”
“Go ahead and try.” Bobby had nothing to fear,
He had already investigated James’ background thoroughly. With the Cadens’ influence, it was easy to get information about him. Bobby knew everything about what James had done in Cansington.
He also knew that James was strong.
Yet, he never expected him to be that overwhelming. However, he knew that James had one weakness —Thea.
“You better let me go if you want Thea alive.”
Hearing Thea’s name, James’ heart skipped a beat. He let go of Bobby and glared at him coldly. “What did you do to Thea?” Bobby took out his phone and made a video call.
Soon, the call was connected. The video appeared in front of James. In the video, Thea was tied up, and a dagger was pressed against her pale skin. Her eyes were covered with a cloth, and her mouth was taped. Through the video, James could see her whimpering. James clenched his fists tightly, and his veins bulged out from his arms. At the same time, a murderous aura exuded from him.
Cynthia, who was not far away, also trembled in fear after seeing this scene.
She never expected Thea to get kidnapped. James glanced at Bobby coldly.
At this moment, he had grasped the Cadens’ strength.
He arranged for several strong assassins to protect Thea in secret. Although he divorced Thea, he never withdrew them from watching her.
He was surprised that Thea was still kidnapped, even with several assassins protecting her.
Suddenly, James’ phone rang. He answered the phone calmly. “James, I’ve got bad news! Something bad just happened! Thea got kidnapped!”
The call was from May.
“The people that caught Thea were powerful. Those who were secretly protecting Thea were all knocked out.” “Alright.”
James hung up the phone, He glanced at Bobby expressionless and said indifferently, “What do you want?”
“Kneel.”
Chapter 650
Bobby said fearlessly, “James, you son of a b*tch, you’re a sinner. You better kneel to me right now! Or else, Thea is going to die.”
James glared at Bobby. “Never. A man never easily gets on his knees. How could I kneel to ab* stard like you?
“Thea used to be my wife, but we’re already married. You’re a fool to use her to threaten me.”
“Slash her.”
Bobby ordered through the phone. Cansington, a construction site.
Thea was tied to a chair. The place was heavily guarded by men dressed in black. One of them held a sharp dagger against Thea’s face. When he received the order, he immediately slashed the dagger across her face. A bloody wound instantly appeared on Thea’s left cheek as the knife swiped across her face. Blood began to drip down her cheek, staining her white dress red. She felt severe pain in her face but could only whimper since her mouth was covered.
Thea struggled to free herself but was to no avail.
Bobby held the phone and shook it in front of James as he said with a smile, “Since I can’t threaten you with her, then I’ll just kill her. It’s a pity for such a beautiful woman to die.” James glanced at him indifferently. “What the hell do you want?”
“I want you to kneel,” Bobby laughed. “You can kill her. However, I assure you that I’ll kill you too.”
James was unfaltering.
Even though he still cared about Thea, he knew that he absolutely could not compromise right now.
He knew that Bobby would seize his weakness and continue to threaten him if he compromised, putting himself in a passive position. Therefore, he had to pretend not to care.
In fact, he was panicking in his heart but could not show it on his face.
Bobby frowned.
From his investigations, James supposedly cared a lot about her. Yet, he was not threatened at all
He thought about it briefly and said, “James, I won’t make it hard for you and Thea. You return the thing that belongs to the Cadens, and I’ll let her go. What do you say?”.
“The thing? Is there anything I have right now that belongs to the Cadens?” James glared at him and asked.
“Why’re you still pretending to be stupid? I’m talking about the chest unearthed from the ancient tomb of the Prince of Orchid Mountain that has contents related to my family heirloom, the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge. Don’t try to deceive me by saying it’s not with you.”
James glanced at the Emperor.
The Emperor shrugged and said, “I didn’t say anything, James. The Cadens’ power extends far beyond your imagination. The Cadens are the leaders of the Ancient Four and have intelligence networks throughout the globe. It’s easy for them to find out such things.”
“It’s in a safe in the House of Royals.”
James took a deep breath.
There was nothing in the chest unearthed from the ancient tomb of the Prince of Orchid Mountain but an ancient scroll. It only had eighteen figures with some acupuncture and meridian markings on it. James had already memorized them.
Thus, it did not matter if he gave it to Bobby. Bobby called and said, “Quickly head to the House of Royals and open up the safe.” After giving the order, he hung up the phone. James stared at him coldly. Bobby glared at him in return.
The Emperor stepped forward and tried to ease up the atmosphere.
He said with a smile, “What are you guys going? You’re family! Come sit down and have a cup of tea.”
Bobby smirked and turned, walking toward the gazebo. Then, he sat down.
James also walked over and sat opposite him.
Cynthia came over and sat beside James.
The four sat down together, but no one spoke, making the atmosphere tense. The Emperor said smilingly, “James, I don’t know about the Cadens’ affairs back then, but I’ve heard a few rumors here and there. It was indeed your grandfather that betrayed the family. He stole the Moonlit Flowers on Cliffside’s Edge and escaped from the Capital. The Ancient Four had rules stipulated ever since the generation that served the Prince of Orchid Mountain. Anyone that violated the rules was to die.” James knew very little of the Ancient Four,
“What does the Ancient Four have to do with the Prince of Orchid Mountain, and how are the things unearthed from the ancient tomb of the Prince of Orchid Mountain have to do with the paintings handed down in the Cadens for a thousand years?”
“About that…” The Emperor was taken aback by his questions. Then, he explained, “I actually don’t know much about this stuff. I only heard a little from the elders in my family. The Ancient Four used to be officials that served the Prince of Orchid Mountain a thousand years ago.”