I stared in awe at the towering Ashworth family vi as our vehicle approached. It wasn''t just a home—it was a statement of power, a monument to generations of wealth and influence. Marble pirs stretched skyward, supporting borate balconies that overlooked meticulously maintained gardens where fountains sprayed crystalline water into the air.


    "We''re here," Isabelle said, her voice soft as she squeezed my hand reassuringly.


    I swallowed hard, trying to keep myposure. "It''s even more impressive up close."


    As we stepped out of the car, I immediately sensed the presence of several powerful auras. Guards positioned strategically around the entrance weren''t ordinary security—they were cultivators, some radiating strengthparable to Caspian Kane. The realization sent a chill down my spine.


    "Your security is... formidable," I remarked, keeping my voice casual despite my unease.


    Isabelle nodded. "Grandfather insists on it. The Ashworth family has many enemies."


    We walked through massive double doors into a grand foyer with soaring ceilings and a crystal chandelier that cast rainbow prisms across marble floors. Servants bowed respectfully as Isabelle passed, their eyes flickering curiously toward me.


    "Your friend can wait in the east salon," Isabelle told me, gesturing to a servant who stepped forward to guide Eamon away. "Grandfather has requested to meet you alone."


    My stomach tightened. "Your grandfather? Today?"


    "He doesn''t waste time," she replied with a small, nervous smile. "Are you ready?"


    I wasn''t, but I nodded anyway. This meeting was inevitable if I wanted a future with Isabelle. Better to face it now than dy the confrontation.


    We ascended a sweeping staircase to the second floor, passing numerous paintings of stern-faced Ashworth ancestors. Their eyes seemed to follow me, judging the outsider who dared to enter their domain.


    Isabelle stopped before an imposing wooden door. "Remember to address him as Mr. Ashworth. And..." she hesitated, "don''t be intimidated. He respects strength."


    She knocked softly, and a deep voice responded immediately. "Enter."


    The study we walked into was massive, lined with bookshelves and adorned with antique weapons and artifacts. At its center sat Michael Ashworth—Isabelle''s grandfather and the patriarch of the entire family.


    I''d heard stories about "Emperor Ashworth," but they didn''t capture themanding presence of the man before me. Despite his advanced age, he sat rigidly upright in his chair, his silver hair impably styled. His eyes, sharp and calcting, fixed on me withser-like intensity.


    "Grandfather," Isabelle said respectfully. "This is Liam Knight."


    I bowed slightly. "It''s an honor to meet you, Mr. Ashworth."


    The old man didn''t acknowledge my greeting. Instead, he gestured to a chess board set up on the table before him.


    "Do you y?" he asked, his voice crisp and authoritative.


    "I do," I replied, though I wasn''t particrly skilled.


    "Sit."


    It wasn''t a request. I nced at Isabelle, who nodded encouragingly, then took the seat across from her grandfather.


    "White moves first," he said, pushing the board slightly toward me.


    I understood immediately—this was a test. I moved a pawn, beginning what would surely be more than just a game of chess.


    Michael Ashworth yed with the calcted precision of someone who had spent decades outmaneuvering opponents. Each move was deliberate, forcing me to adapt my strategy constantly. I focused intently, knowing this game represented something far more important than wooden pieces on a board.


    After thirty minutes of increasinglyplex exchanges, he captured my queen with a move I hadn''t anticipated.


    "Checkmate in three," he dered. <b ss="in-imprint-a">This is a sample from My Virtual Library Empire. Read the rest on *.</b>


    I examined the board and saw he was right. There was no escape. I tipped my king over in surrender.


    "You y better than I expected," he said, the faintest hint of approval in his voice.


    "Not well enough, it seems," I responded with a small smile.


    His expression remained impassive, but some of the initial tension in the room had dissipated. The chess game had served its purpose—establishing a baseline of respect between us.


    "So," he began, leaning back in his chair, "you''re the young man who thinks himself worthy of my granddaughter."


    There it was—the real game had begun.


    "I don''t presume to be worthy of Isabelle," I said honestly. "I simply love her more than life itself."


    Michael''s eyes narrowed. "Love? A convenient word used by those with nothing substantial to offer. What do you bring to this match, Mr. Knight? No family name of significance. No generational wealth. No political connections."


    Each statementnded like a physical blow, but I kept my expression neutral.


    "You''re right that I don''t have those things," I acknowledged. "But I have other qualities that can''t be inherited or purchased."


    "Such as?" he prompted, skepticism evident in his tone.


    "Determination. Loyalty. And the ability to rise from nothing to something through my own efforts."


    Michael Ashworthughed—a harsh, dismissive sound. "Do you know how many young men have sat where you''re sitting, all iming simr virtues? All believing themselves exceptional enough to marry into the Ashworth family?"


    I nced at Isabelle, who stood silently by the window, her face tense.


    "I can''t speak for others," I said firmly. "I can only tell you that Isabelle is my light. She gives purpose to everything I do. And I will marry her—with or without your blessing."


    The temperature in the room seemed to drop instantly. Michael Ashworth''s face hardened, his eyes shing dangerously.


    "You dare..." he began, his voice a controlled fury. "Youe into my home and speak of taking my granddaughter without my consent?"


    I felt several powerful auras converging on the room—hidden guards, likely cultivators of significant skill, responding to their master''s anger.


    "I speak only the truth," I replied, maintaining eye contact despite the overwhelming pressure building around me. "I didn''te seeking permission. I came out of respect."


    Michael Ashworth stood slowly, his frame suddenly seemingrger, more imposing. "You mistake my tolerance for weakness, boy. Do you know what happens to those who challenge the Ashworth family?"


    The air grew heavy with killing intent. I sensed at least three martial masters had entered the room, their presences barely concealed in the shadows.


    "I''ve faced worse threats," I said, though my heart hammered in my chest. I subtly reached for my energy core, preparing to use the Shrinking Ground Into an Inch technique if I needed to escape quickly.


    "Have you?" Michael asked, his voice dangerously soft. "I doubt that very much."


    I felt trapped, cornered by powers far beyond what I could handle. The Ashworth family''s reach was legendary—if they wanted me eliminated, not even Mariana could fully protect me.


    Just as the tension reached its breaking point, with me calcting my chances of surviving an attack from multiple masters, Isabelle stepped forward.


    "Alright, Grandpa, stop scaring him!" she said with a coquettishugh,pletely transforming the atmosphere in an instant.