《The Dragon Seal》


 Chapter 1 - I Must See Doctor Zander

    "Sir, your daughter has to undergo surgery within three hours, but the operation is extremely difficult and there''s only a 20% success rate, so please be mentally prepared!"


    Upon hearing the doctor''s words, Augustus Cross'' legs wobbled and he sank to the ground.


    20% success rate. It was not much of a difference than being handed a death sentence!


    "Doctor, you must have a safer way, right? My daughter is only four years old. Please, you have to save her!"


    Augustus was a grown man, but he was so anxious that he was reduced to tears.


    The doctor sighed sympathetically. "She must have the surgery. However, if you can invite that person to perform the surgery, the chances of success can at least be doubled. It might even reach 70 to 80%!"


    "Really?" Augustus was overjoyed. "Who is it?"


    "He''s none other than the dean of Halmont Medical Academy, Doctor Zander! If there''s anyone in Halmont City who can save your daughter, it''s him! But¡­"


    "But what?"


    "As far as I know, Doctor Zander retired a few years ago and won''t be convinced easily. I''m afraid that even if you go to him, it''ll be a wasted trip."


    However, Augustus''s gaze was firm. "For the sake of my daughter, even if I have to risk my life, I''ll definitely bring Doctor Zander here!"


    Forty minutes later, Augustus took the address given by the doctor and got out of the cab at the gate of Maplewood Villa.


    Just as he was about to go in, the security guard at the door stopped him.


    "Hey, what''re you doing?"


    This was a famous upscale residential area in Halmont City, and everyone here was well-dressed and traveled in luxury cars. People like Augustus who wore ordinary clothes and took cabs were naturally treated differently.


    "Hello, I''m here to find Doctor Zander. It''s really urgent. Please let me in."


    "Sorry, but this is a high-end community. We cannot allow people to enter unless the owner gives their permission!"


    The security guard raised his chin arrogantly.


    Augustus was frantic. "Sir, I really need to see Doctor Zander! My daughter needs him for surgery. I have to see him immediately! Please help me!"


    Augustus tried to go in, but he was chased away by the security guard.


    "Help my *ss! It''s none of my damn business whether your daughter needs surgery or not. Get lost!"


    Augustus''s eyes went red with anger. His daughter''s life was at stake. How could this security guard say such ruthless words? He was terrible!


    "I have to see Doctor Zander today. Don''t try to stop me!"


    Augustus pushed the security guard away and charged in, but before he could enter, five or six additional guards suddenly emerged from the guardhouse and blocked his way.


    "Damn it, how dare you break into Maplewood Villa! Kick him out!"


    Between the pushing and shoving, horns blared behind him. Seven to eight sports cars lined up and urged the guards to open the gates.


    "F*ck, what''s going on?! Good dogs don''t stand in the way. Get out of my way!"


    In a red Ferrari, a young man with ear studs and sunglasses cussed impatiently.


    "I''m sorry, Young Master Zander. It''s because this ignorant man is causing trouble here. I''ll get rid of him right away!"


    The captain of the security guard was just about to drag Augustus away, but Young Master Zander saw Augustus and froze.


    "Augustus Cross?"


    Young Master Zander got out of the car and walked over to Augustus, taking off his sunglasses.


    "Jace Zander!"


    Augustus frowned.


    Jace Zander was actually Augustus''s university classmate, but they were not on good terms. In fact, calling them enemies would not be an exaggeration.


    Back then, Augustus accidentally saw Jace and a few others forcibly carrying a girl to the lab and was prepared to do something unthinkable, so he quickly stopped them and called for a teacher.


    News of that incident spread like wildfire in Halmont University. Since Jace''s family was rich, the incident was eventually suppressed.


    From then on, Jace and the others targeted Augustus wherever he went. Several times, he went back to his dorm to find that someone had poured urine on his bed, and his student loan was also inexplicably canceled!


    It was also because of that that Augustus, whose mother came from an impoverished family and was seriously ill, had to finally choose to drop out of university as a sophomore and marry into the Harrington family!


    "Well, what a bloody coincidence! I didn''t expect to bump into a jinx like you here!"


    Jace''s mouth was full of mockery.


    At that time, the others had also gotten out of their sports car. It was the pack of scoundrels who followed Jace around back in those days. When they saw Augustus, they also started to ridicule him.


    "Holy crap, isn''t that Mr. Good Samaritan Augustus? What, you didn''t finish uni so you came here to be a security guard?"


    "A security guard? This is Maplewood Villa. He doesn''t even have the qualifications to be a guard here! Hahahaha¡­"


    Augustus clenched his fists and gnashed his teeth.


    He did not get any reward for his courageous deeds, but these scum were living a well-off life. This world was really unfair!


    Augustus did not have time to waste with these scums, but as he tried to leave, he was blocked.


    "Get out of my way!"


    "Don''t rush. You haven''t said what you came here for. If there''s something that''s making you unhappy, you can tell us and make us happy instead, hahaha¡­"


    Jace was clearly wasting Augustus''s time on purpose because he could tell that Augustus was in a hurry.


    Just then, the security guard captain said eagerly, "Young Master Zander, this man said he''s here to find Doctor Zander. He said his daughter is sick and needs surgery."


    At those words, Jace and the others exchanged looks and laughed smugly at the same time.


    "Sh*t, you''re really unlucky, huh? You''re already p*ss poor, and your daughter is sick too. You''re really a jinx, hahaha¡­"


    Augustus was burning with rage. His daughter was in critical condition, but these b*stards had the audacity to say such things!


    "I f*cking dare you to say that again!"


    Augustus rushed up to grab Jace, but he was kicked down by a young man with bleached yellow hair.


    That person''s name was Andy Cabot, who hung out with Jace back in university. He also bullied Augustus all the time.


    "You little b*tch. Do you think you''re tough now? How dare you try to fight Jace!"


    Then, Jace pinched Augustus''s face and said slyly, "Don''t you want to see Doctor Zander? Then let me tell you. Doctor Zander is my grandfather!"

 Chapter 2 - Lower Than Dirt

    "What¡­"


    Augustus felt like he was struck by lightning and froze in place.


    He suddenly realized that they indeed shared the same last name. When he was in uni, he did hear that Jace''s grandfather was a famous doctor in Halmont City!


    In other words, it was true!


    The doctor was really Jace''s grandfather!


    "I''m my grandfather''s only grandson, and my grandfather dotes on me the most. As long as I ask, my grandfather will definitely save your daughter. Similarly, if I''m not happy, he won''t spare a glance at you even if you cry your eyes out! How about it? Still dare to yell at me now?"


    The corners of Jace''s mouth pulled in mockery, full of triumph.


    Augustus was incomparably ashamed and resentful. He never thought that his daughter''s life would be in the hands of such scum!


    God was deliberately playing tricks on him!


    However, right now, Augustus had no choice. In order to save his daughter, he had to bow his head!


    "Jace, I¡­ I was wrong. My daughter has to be operated on in two hours. I''m begging you. Please let your grandfather perform the surgery and save my daughter!"


    Augustus was bowing deeply, but Jace was still unsatisfied. He sneered at Augustus.


    "You''re begging me while standing? Kneel down and prostrate yourself before me!"


    Augustus frowned.


    A man should never grovel!


    In his life, the only people he kneeled to were his parents and elders. He would never kneel to anyone else, much less a scumbag like Jace!


    "Didn''t you hear Jace? On your knees!"


    "Yeah, don''t you want to save your daughter? Hurry up and kneel!"


    Augustus gnashed his teeth, but finally kneeled.


    As he said before, as long as Doctor Zander came out, he was willing to give his life. Kneeling was nothing!


    Compared to his daughter''s life, dignity was worthless.


    "Young Master Zander, please ask Doctor Zander to save my daughter! I''m begging you!"


    "Hahaha, he''s kneeling. He''s really kneeling!"


    "He''s so spineless! Hahaha¡­"


    Jace was still not satisfied. "Your voice is too soft. I can''t hear you."


    Augustus gritted his teeth and smashed his forehead heavily on the ground.


    "Please!"


    "Please!"


    "Please!"


    Thud thud thud, crimson red blood stained the ground where Augustus''s forehead smashed the ground.


    Andy and the others were overjoyed, and Jace also had a triumphant smile.


    Smack!


    Jace slapped Augustus''s face.


    "You son of a b*tch, I never thought I''d see the day!"


    Smack!


    "You wanted to be a f*cking hero, huh?


    "You wanted to be the good f*cking guy, huh?


    "You f*cking idiot!"


    Smack smack smack!


    Jace slapped Augustus''s face over and over again, causing a burning pain.


    Andy and the others knew that Augustus would not dare to fight back, so they also hit him while he was down, raining punches and kicks down on Augustus.


    "You piece of sh*t. Be a good samaritan! Report us! You f*cking idiot!"


    The punches and kicks fell on Augustus like hail, had him on the ground black and blue.


    Then, with a swoosh, streams of ammonia-smelling liquid splashed on his body.


    "Do you know how your quilt got wet before? It was because of our p*ss! Hahahaha¡­"


    At that moment, Augustus was filled with humiliation. He was lower than dirt and free to be trampled by others!


    Jace used his foot to step on Augustus''s face. "How was it? Now, do you understand the consequences of going against me?"


    Augustus endured the anger in his heart and the excruciating pain in his body, and said, "I¡­ I understand. Can you ask Doctor Zander to save my daughter now?"


    "You still want my grandfather to help you?" Jace spat out a laugh. "To tell you the truth, my grandfather went abroad three days ago and won''t be back until tomorrow! Your precious little girl can only wait for death! Hahaha¡­"


    Augustus felt like he was struck by lightning. His monstrous anger surged in his mind like a volcanic eruption.


    "You''re lying! That can''t be! That can''t be!"


    Augustus was unable to accept such a result and charged toward Jace.


    However, when he got up, Andy kicked him back to the ground.


    "Go to hell, f*cking idiot!"


    Then, accompanied by the roar of engines, the sports cars drove into the residential area, and countless globs of spit and ridicule fell on Augustus.


    "That can''t be¡­"


    In his anger, a mouthful of blood gushed out from Augustus''s mouth. His eyes went dark as he fell to the ground.


    It went unnoticed but before he fainted, the originally blue birthmark the size of a fingernail on his forehead that was covered by his hair had mixed with his own blood and transformed into a strange pattern of a red dragon!


    In the pitch-black darkness, hundreds of billions of golden lights formed a golden dragon and rushed towards Augustus''s mind.


    Then, a massive amount of data related to martial arts, medical skills, and mystic arts spread to the depths of Augustus''s consciousness like a torrent.


    Along with this information, there was also a low and resounding voice.


    "With the taste of blood, thirty years of latent Yang energy and the sealed hidden dragon is finally awakened, here to claim the Heavens as theirs alone!"


    A huge force like a tsunami roared towards Augustus.


    "That can''t be!"


    Augustus woke up with a jolt and found himself in a hospital ward.


    Only then did he remember that he fainted at the entrance of Maplewood Villa. Someone probably called 911 which was why he was sent here.


    It was the same hospital as his daughter''s!

 Chapter 3 - Are You Insane?

    Immediately in the next moment, Augustus remembered something.


    "Skylar!"


    His daughter, Skylar Cross, fainted due to an acute brain tumor and was lying on the operating table waiting for surgery, but he had failed to call Doctor Zander.


    Augustus checked the time. At that moment, it was only ten minutes before the three-hour deadline!


    Skylar was in danger!


    Augustus hurried out of bed and ran outside.


    In his haste, he stumbled and almost fell to the ground.


    However, right at that second, something incredible happened.


    Augustus, who was about to fall, did an incredible front flip in the air and landed smoothly a few meters away!


    Augustus froze in place, not believing what just happened.


    Then, the startling information from before surfaced in Augustus''s mind again, shocking him.


    He thought that everything he saw when he was unconscious was a dream, but now, it was clear that it was real.


    It was then that Augustus realized that all his injuries had healed as well!


    However, his heart was so full of thoughts about his daughter that he could not think about anything else.


    After he ran out of the ward, he headed straight to his daughter''s operating room.


    Just as he arrived at the door, he saw the attending doctor about to enter.


    "Doctor, I''m sorry. I¡­ I wasn''t able to invite Doctor Zander¡­"


    The doctor seemed to have expected it. "Well, we''ll have to leave it up to fate then."


    The doctor sighed helplessly and was just about to enter the operating room when Augustus stopped him.


    "Wait, Doctor. Can I see my daughter one more time?"


    The doctor could understand where Augustus was coming from, so he nodded, "Alright, but be quick!"


    In the vast operating room, his daughter Skylar lay flat on the operating table as if asleep, but Augustus knew very well that there was a malignant tumor in her mind that might take her life at any moment!


    "Skylar¡­"


    Augustus''s tears streamed down instantly.


    Just then, a strange thought suddenly popped into his mind.


    That thought told Augustus that he could heal his daughter''s illness!


    As outrageous as the thought might be, Augustus actually believed it; considering what happened earlier in his ward and how his injuries healed in an instant.


    Thus, he stopped hesitating. He found a box of disposable moxibustion needles in the operating room and pricked them in Skylar''s body according to the methods in his mind.


    "Yamen, Fengfu, Houding, Baihui¡­"


    In just a few moments, Skylar''s body was pierced with seven to eight needles which formed white vital energy.


    Augustus was able to use a strange method to see that the tumor in Skylar''s brain was continuously shrinking and getting smaller under the effect of these needles!


    After inserting yet another needle, Skylar instantly spat out a mouthful of black blood.


    "What''s going on? What are you doing? Oh God, have you gone insane?"


    The doctor came in upon hearing the commotion and was shocked by the scene before him.


    A few medical staff rushed to pull Augustus away, but the four of them were no match for his strength.


    "One last needle!"


    Augustus unleashed himself from the crowd and inserted the last needle in Skylar''s body.


    As the needle penetrated her, Skylar spat out blood again, but this time, the blood was bright red!"


    "You''re insane! She''s your daughter! You''ll kill her if you mess around like that!"


    The attending doctor went into a rage.


    With his medical skills, although the operation was still very risky, at least there was a chance of success. However, Augustus was basically killing her.


    The doctor was just about to continue yelling when a young voice was suddenly heard.


    "Daddy¡­"


    Everyone turned and looked simultaneously, only to see that Skylar, who had been in a coma, had woken up.


    "Skylar!"


    Augustus ran over to embrace his daughter.


    The medical staff were stunned.


    They immediately re-examined Skylar and found that the tumor in her brain had miraculously disappeared!


    "H¡­ How could this be¡­"


    The attending doctor froze, not daring to believe what just happened.


    Augustus was overjoyed to hear the test results.


    It turned out that everything in his mind was true!


    He actually cured his daughter''s illness with his own hands. He felt like he was dreaming!


    "Daddy, I wanna go home."


    "Okay, Daddy will take you home now!"


    After thanking the doctor, Augustus carried Skylar and walked out of the operating room.


    As he reached the corridor, he saw three figures rushing to him. It was Augustus''s mother-in-law Liane Denby, his father-in-law Owen Harrington, and his wife Jeanne Harrington.


    "Dad, Mom, Jeanne, you¡­"


    Smack!


    Before Augustus could finish, Liane slapped him across the face.


    "We spared you from doing anything so you could look after the child, but you couldn''t even do that! What''s the use of feeding trash like you?"


    The scolding attracted the attention of the people in the corridor.. Augustus''s face burned with pain.

 Chapter 4 - Unscrupulous Profiteers

    Jeanne and her family were away to visit their relatives abroad, and they came back as soon as they got the call from Augustus. However, Augustus did not expect Liane to put all the blame on Augustus as soon as they arrived.


    He did not refute. He was already used to being treated like this after staying in the Harrington family for years.


    However, his daughter immediately defended him, "Daddy is the best! Don''t hit Daddy!"


    Liane''s expression darkened. "You''re just a little brat. What the hell do you know?"


    Then, Liane fiercely dragged Skylar to one side. Skylar cried from the sudden pain in her arm.


    Augustus was furious. It did not matter how Liane treated him, but he would never allow her to be so outrageous to his daughter.


    Before he could speak, Jeanne spoke, "Mom, why are you taking it out on Skylar? Don''t forget that she''s still a patient!"


    Liane''s lips pursed as she fell silent.


    Jeanne then turned to Augustus, "You called and said that Skylar fainted out of a sudden. What exactly happened?"


    "Oh, she was just examined. It''s nothing major¡­"


    Augustus knew very well that no one would believe it if he said that he cured his daughter''s tumor, so he simply lied and dodged the question.


    Liane was instantly annoyed at his answer. "Are you crazy? Why did you call us if she was fine? Do you know that because of your call, I had to rush back before soaking in the hot springs?"


    Augustus''s expression turned cold.


    She was saying that his daughter''s life was less important than soaking in a hot spring!


    "Alright, Mom. Stop it already. The most important thing is that Skylar is fine."


    Then, Jeanne picked up Skylar with a doting expression.


    "My baby girl, did you miss Mommy?"


    "Of course! Daddy missed you too!"


    Skylar said cheekily.


    Jeanne''s face reddened. Although she and Augustus were husband and wife on paper, it was an arrangement by their families, so they were actually more like strangers.


    However, when she heard those words of endearment, it made her a little flustered.


    Throughout the years, Liane criticized Augustus relentlessly, but Augustus turned a deaf ear.


    Six years ago, he dropped out of college. His mother fell ill and needed a lot of money, and it was the Old Master of the Harrington family who arranged for a marriage between him and Jeanne. Augustus was grateful to the Harrington family, and he felt especially guilty towards Jeanne, who ended up suffering from the marriage.


    From the corner of his eye, he secretly glanced at Jeanne in the driver''s seat.


    The white chiffon blouse outlined her perfect curves, and the black pencil skirt emphasized her slim and delicate waist. The pair of slender and ivory white legs under her skirt made anyone find it hard to tear their eyes away from her.


    Furthermore, in addition to such a perfect body, her looks were also truly stunning!


    Even though they had been married for six years, Augustus still could not believe that such a beautiful woman was his wife!


    "Why do you keep staring at my legs? Don''t you have legs too?"


    Jeanne rolled her eyes at Augustus with a voice filled with contempt.


    "Ahem¡­"


    Augustus was mortified.


    He looked up and was just about to explain himself, but he froze when he saw Jeanne''s face.


    On her Yintang, he saw a swirling mass of black!


    The Yintang was also known as the ophryon. With the black energy swirling on her ophryon, it was obviously an omen of great misfortune!


    In other words, Jeanne would be in grave danger sometime soon!


    Since Augustus saw this, he could not sit by idly.


    He was just about to speak when Jeanne''s phone rang.


    "Director Harrington, bad news. There are people causing trouble at the company entrance. Even the media are here!"


    "What?" Jeanne was stunned. "Manage the scene. I''ll be right there!"


    The car arrived at the neighborhood entrance. Jeanne let all of them get off before driving away.


    "I''ll go with you. Maybe I can help!"


    The divination from earlier made Augustus very uneasy.


    "Stop messing around. Hurry up and get out!"


    "Take me with you!"


    Jeanne was very annoyed. She did not have time to waste on Augustus.


    Half an hour later, the car stopped near the company.


    "Jeanne, there''s a black mark on your Yintang. It''s an omen of great misfortune. You have to be careful!"


    Augustus warned her repeatedly.


    Jeanne rolled her eyes at Augustus. "What era do you live in? You should use those powers on yourself and calculate when you''ll get rich instead."


    Then, she got out of the car.


    At that moment, many people had gathered in front of the company, the most conspicuous of which was twenty to thirty patients.


    These people did not seem to be too nimble and simply sat on the ground, blocking the entrance to the company.


    Some people even held up banners that read, "Harrington Corp, unscrupulous profiteers!" and so on.


    "What''s going on here?"


    "Director Harrington, these people said they had symptoms of hemiplegia after taking our company''s new drugs, and that they can''t even walk now!"


    Jeanne''s expression turned solemn at that.


    If that was true, Harrington Corporation''s reputation would definitely be greatly affected.


    "Look, that''s the deputy director of Harrington Corporation!"


    At that time, the patients saw Jeanne''s arrival.


    "Harrington Corp, unscrupulous profiteers!"


    "You produced fake medicine. You''ll die a horrible death!"


    Jeanne''s expression sank. "Everyone, all the drugs made by our company go through strict quality control. There is no way that such side effects could exist¡­"


    "Don''t listen to her nonsense! Go to hell, Harrington Corp!"


    Before Jeanne could finish, countless rotten eggs and mineral water bottles were thrown at her.


    At a glance, Augustus saw a fist-sized stone amidst the mess flying straight towards Jeanne''s face.


    "Watch out!"

 Chapter 5 - I Have My Ways

    Augustus did not hesitate. He threw himself at Jeanne and tackled her to the ground.


    "Augustus Cross, what are you doing?!"


    Right after she spoke, a loud crash was heard as the tempered glass door behind them shattered!


    Jeanne saw the large stone on the ground and went pale with fright.


    Fortunately, Augustus saved her in time. Otherwise, even if she did not die, her head would have been split open!


    Jeanne suddenly remembered what Augustus said to her before. There was a black mark on her Yintang, which was an omen of great misfortune.


    Could he really be able to read fortunes?


    Then, the security guards from Harrington Corporation arrived and quickly calmed the commotion.


    "Jeanne, are you okay?"


    Augustus helped Jeanne up from the ground. Although they avoided the stone, the rotten eggs smashed on his body, making him look very wretched.


    Seeing Augustus like this, a touch of emotion flashed in Jeanne''s heart.


    "Thank you!"


    Augustus''s eyes lit up. Even though they were married for six years, Jeanne had always been lukewarm to him. This was the first time she said the words ''thank you'' to him!


    Jeanne turned to look at the patients again.


    "Everyone, if you have any demands, we can sit down and discuss. Please don''t resort to this kind of violence. You''re breaking the law!"


    "Who the hell are you trying to frighten? Your Harrington Corporation made fake medicine to harm people. Isn''t that illegal too?"


    "That''s right. We ended up as miserable as this because we believed in Harrington Corp! Sob sob sob¡­"


    "Harrington Corp, you heartless bunch!"


    The patients cried out simultaneously, and the surrounding reporters kept snapping pictures.


    Just as Jeanne became anxious and stumped for the next course of action, a voice suddenly sounded. "I can cure your illness!"


    Hearing those words, everyone quieted down and looked over.


    "Augustus, what are you doing?!"


    Jeanne could not help but frown at Augustus.


    Augustus smiled at her. "Don''t worry, I have my methods."


    Jeanne was stunned. For some reason, she suddenly felt that she could believe in this man.


    Just then, a dark-skinned man in his fifties pointed at Augustus and said, "What do you mean?"


    "It''s simple. If I can cure your illness, then you have to stop causing trouble for Harrington Corp."


    "But what if you can''t cure us?"


    "If I can''t cure you, then not only will Harrington Corp compensate each of you one million, we''ll also apologize in front of the media!"


    Jeanne was stunned. She dragged Augustus aside and hissed, "Are you crazy? Who told you to do that? Are you trying to ruin the company?!"


    There were at least thirty of these patients. If they paid one million to each of them, that was at least thirty million!


    Even if it was Harrington Corporation, they could not get that much money at one go!


    To think that she had almost believed his words just now. It seemed like he was still the same as before. He could not do anything right and was more likely to ruin everything!


    The crowd at the scene was also in an uproar.


    Those patients were even more unwilling to give Jeanne any chance to back out.


    "Okay, we agree. Hurry up and start!"


    "If you guys dare to back out, we''ll destroy everything in your company!"


    Jeanne sighed. What was said could not be unsaid. It was too late to regret now.


    Augustus had already walked up to the patients and took their pulse one by one.


    "He''s just putting on airs!"


    Jeanne scolded him in her heart.


    "Are you really a doctor? If you can''t treat us, hurry up and pay us!"


    "That''s right, hurry up and pay us! Don''t waste our time!"


    Augustus looked at the dark-skinned man in front of him and smiled coldly. "Don''t worry, your condition will be cured soon!"


    Then, he found an iron bar from the side and returned to the man.


    "W-What are you doing?"


    The man cowered.


    Augustus smiled and replied, "I''m treating you, of course!"


    Then, he swung the bar down at the man''s legs.


    However, the man dodged, and a hole formed on the concrete floor from the impact.


    "Help! Harrington Corp is trying to kill me!"


    The man screamed in horror.


    Everyone around was scared witless. They did not expect such a scene to happen.


    At that moment, the reporters raised their cameras and snapped pictures wildly. With such a great scoop, it was bound to make headlines!


    Jeanne was so anxious that she almost fainted. She really wanted to kill Augustus now.


    However, not only did Augustus not stop, he swung the iron bar at the man again.


    Then, an unexpected scene occurred.


    The originally paralyzed man dodged the iron bar nimbly. Then, he got up and ran away at the speed of a hundred meter sprint!


    At the same time, the other patients also got up and fled.


    They all looked strong and healthy. It did not look like they were patients at all.


    The crowd was in an uproar. It turned out that those people were pretending!


    Jeanne was dumbfounded. She finally realized that Augustus saw through everything from the beginning, which was why he used that method to treat them!


    With Augustus''s actions, the rumors that Harrington Corporation''s new medicine was harmful would collapse.


    "I''m sorry. I shouldn''t have yelled at you just now¡­"


    In the office, Jeanne hesitated for a long time before finally speaking.


    Augustus was stunned. Then, he smiled. "We''re husband and wife. You don''t need to apologize to me¡­"


    "It''s just in name!" Jeanne quickly clarified.


    Augustus pursed his lips and did not say more.


    Back then, Jeanne married Augustus because she was forced to, and they had Skylar due to a night of drunken impulses. Augustus had always felt guilty in his heart toward the woman in front of him and never dared to have any expectations.


    Jeanne seemed to have noticed that her reaction was too strong, and the coldness in her expression softened slightly.


    "I still have something to take care of later. I can''t send you home."


    "It''s okay, I''ll go back by myself."


    Looking at Augustus''s despondent figure as he left, Jeanne could not help but recall the scene of how he tackled her earlier.


    His performance today really left an impression. It was like he became a different person.


    For the first time in six years, she saw a flash of brilliance in this man.

 Chapter 6 - Meridian Resonance

    Augustus took a bike-sharing ride home from Harrington Corporation.


    When he passed an intersection, he saw a car accident.


    A red Maserati crashed into the roadside shrub, but fortunately, no one was hit.


    Initially Augustus did not bother but when his eyes caught the lady driver lying on the ground, he stopped.


    The woman was trembling violently like a leaf and even her teeth were chattering. Her mind seemed unclear as well.


    The most important thing was that there was a black shadow that only Augustus could see attached to that woman''s belly!


    "Dual Entity!"


    Augustus''s cultivation now included martial arts, healing arts, and mystic arts. One of the healing arts he had was derived from an ancient book called [Eternal Qihuang Arts].


    There were many medical cases listed in [Eternal Qihuang Arts], including the records of Dual Entity!


    Dual Entity was the result of a pair of twins being conceived. While they were still in the womb, one of the fetuses failed to form but managed to attach itself to the other fetus, and thus remained alive in the form of vitality.


    Two lives in one fetus. Hence, Dual Entity!


    That was the case with the woman. At that moment, she was suffering from the interference of her unborn twin''s vitality!


    Dual Entity was seen as a strange condition since ancient times, and most people had never even heard of it, much less cured it.


    Next to the lady driver, a doctor-like white-haired old man was anxious and at a loss.


    With seemingly no other way, the white-haired old man finally took out a tranquilizer from his medicine box to inject into the woman.


    Augustus rushed forward to stop him. "She''s suffering because of an accumulation of innate cold energy. Injecting her with sedatives rashly won''t work!"


    Ordinary people would not have even heard of Dual Entity before. Even doctors would only attribute this to an accumulation of innate cold energy.


    The white-haired old man looked at Augustus in shock. "You know medicine?"


    To be able to tell at first glance that it was an accumulation of innate cold energy was something impossible for ordinary people.


    Augustus nodded. "I happen to know a little. Maybe I can help her, but I need moxibustion needles. Do you have any?"


    "Yes!"


    The elderly man rummaged through his medicine box without a second thought.


    After taking the needles, Augustus said nothing else and accurately plunged them into her Baihui and both of her Jianjing acupoints on the shoulders.


    Those three acupoints had the effect of dispelling cold Yin energy, and invigorating Yang energy!


    At the same time the three needles pierced her, thick vital energy was injected into her.


    "Hum¡­"


    The three needles trembled violently simultaneously and emitted an ear-piercing buzzing sound!


    "This¡­ This is ''meridian resonance''!"


    The old man exclaimed aloud.


    He had researched deeply about ancient medical arts and had read in an old book that the highest level of the art of acupuncture was to make the acupuncture points resonate with the moxibustion needles. It meant that the strongest healing effect possible had been achieved.


    In order to do that, one must have a deep level of mastery in the medical arts. Not even the current Sage Doctor could do it.


    However, this young man was able to perform it easily!


    It was simply incredible!


    As the needles were placed, the woman''s body gradually stopped trembling, and beads of water continued to seep out from her forehead.


    It was not sweat. It was the cold Yin energy that accumulated in her body!


    A few moments later, the black energy on the woman''s stomach completely dissipated, and she finally opened her eyes.


    "She''s fine now."


    It was the first time Augustus saved this kind of patient, so he was relieved too.


    "Miss Jones, you''re finally awake!"


    The elderly man quickly helped the woman up.


    "Doctor Zander, did you save me?"


    "I''m ashamed to say this, but the person who saved you was this young man¡­"


    Howard Zander turned around, but saw that Augustus had left.


    He felt a pang of regret.


    The man was so young, yet he was able to perform meridian resonance. He was truly a medical genius. Howard''s skills as a doctor failed in comparison to him!


    It was a pity that he did not have the opportunity to get acquainted with the young man. If he did, he would certainly have to ask for some pointers!


    At that moment, Miss Jones''s face was also incredibly determined.


    "No matter who he is, I''ll definitely find him!"


    With just three needles, he was able to cure her of the cold energy that had been accumulated in her body for twenty years. An amazing doctor like him was definitely worthy of her friendship. Clara Jones swore that she would definitely repay his kindness!


    The next morning, Augustus and his family drove to the Harrington family mansion because Old Madam Harrington needed to ask some questions regarding the incident at Harrington Corporation yesterday.


    "Mommy, I wanna go on the slide."


    As soon as they entered the yard, Skylar shouted excitedly while pointing to the slide not far away.


    There were not many children in the Harrington family, but that slide was specially prepared for the children. At that moment, many children around the same age as Skylar gathered there.


    "You take Skylar over to play. I''ll report to Grandmother."


    Jeanne spoke and went straight into the inner yard.


    Skylar was at the age where she liked slides very much.


    Augustus was having fun with Skylar when his phone rang.


    Seeing that it was from an unknown number, Augustus did not answer it, but the other party was very persistent and kept calling.


    With no other choice, he answered the call.


    "Hello, who is this?"


    "Hello, is this Doctor Cross?"


    "Doctor? Sorry, I think you might have made a mistake¡­"


    Augustus was just about to hang up.


    "Please wait, Mr. Augustus Cross. I really have something urgent to speak to you about!"


    Augustus was also stunned to hear the person call his name. Just as he was about to speak, he heard the sound of a small child crying not far away.


    Looking over, he saw his daughter sitting on the ground, wailing.


    Augustus frowned and hung up the phone before running over.


    When he reached Skylar, he saw a chubby little boy pointing at her and yelled, "You stupid girl, how dare you try and fight me? I''ll slap you to death!"

 Chapter 7 - You Must Think You鈥檙e The Head Of The Family

    Augustus rushed over and held Skylar in his arms.


    "Don''t cry, Skylar, tell Daddy what happened."


    "I¡­ I was playing on the slide, but Josh cut the queue and¡­ and pushed me down the ladder. Sob sob sob¡­"


    Skylar cried as she wiped her tears, wrenching the hearts of those who saw.


    "Who pushed you? You clearly fell down yourself but you dare to blame me! You''re just a b*tch!"


    Although Josh Harrington was only seven to eight years old, his words were unusually vicious just like an adult''s.


    Augustus was instantly enraged. "What did you say? Who taught you to say stuff like that?!"


    Josh put on a righteous look and said, "It''s true. My mom said that no one in your family is good. The mom is a cheap woman, so the daughter is a b*tch too! Especially you, the son-in-law who married into your wife''s family. You''re just a good-for-nothing that lives off a woman!"


    Josh was clearly influenced a lot and said all the things that the adults usually speak at home.


    Augustus clenched his fists in anger, but before he could speak, Skylar took the lead and stood up.


    "Don''t badmouth my mommy and daddy!"


    "What did I say wrong? You little b*tch. I''ll slap you to death!"


    Josh raised his hand and was about to hit Skylar, but he was fortunately grabbed by Augustus.


    "What are you doing? Apologize to Skylar!"


    "You''re just a useless man who married into your wife''s family! Why should I apologize?"


    "I told you to apologize!"


    Augustus was stern.


    Josh seemed to know that he could not win against an adult like Augustus. After freezing for two seconds, he suddenly sat on the ground and wailed.


    With his cry, the adults in the inner courtyard were alarmed and came out one after another.


    "My baby boy, what happened? Who bullied you?!"


    A woman walked up to Josh with a gloomy face. That woman was Josh''s mother, Wendy Thorne, as well as Jeanne''s sister-in-law.


    "Mom, he hit me!"


    Josh pointed at Augustus and cried out.


    Augustus was stunned. He did not expect a child to learn to frame people.


    Just as he was about to explain, Wendy pointed at him and shouted, "Can''t you even behave yourself as a man who married into his wife''s family? You even bullied a child! How shameless are you?"


    "That''s right, you''re just someone who married into your wife''s family. You''re shameless!"


    Josh hid behind Wendy and pulled a face.


    Augustus suppressed his anger. "Please show some respect. You haven''t even asked what really happened. Why do you think it''s my fault?"


    "Daddy didn''t hit Josh at all! It was Josh who pushed me down the slide¡­"


    "Shut your mouth! The adults are talking. Kids should stay out of it!"


    Wendy roared at Skylar in anger. Her expression was ferocious as if she wanted to eat someone up, and Skylar was so scared that she was shaking.


    Wendy''s loud voice drew out the rest of the people in the inner courtyard, and even Old Madam Harrington was shocked.


    "What''s all the ruckus about?!"


    Wendy quickly said, "Grandma, it''s your useless granddaughter''s husband. A grown man like him was bullying our Josh. What a shameless man!"


    "Very good, Augustus Cross. You must think you''re tough now! How dare you bully a child from my family?"


    It was clear that in Old Madam Harrington''s eyes, she never regarded Augustus as part of the Harrington family.


    "Augustus, what are you doing? Hurry up and apologize to Wendy!"


    Jeanne had just gotten a scolding due to yesterday''s incident. She did not expect Augustus to make a blunder again.


    "I''m not in the wrong! Why should I apologize?"


    If it only involved himself, then Augustus might have conceded, but his daughter was involved too.


    If the person who was not in the wrong had to apologize, how would he teach his daughter?


    However, Augustus had just finished speaking when Liane raised her hand to slap him across the face.


    "You dare to disobey Jeanne? You better cut the crap and apologize this instant!"


    For six years, Liane had long been accustomed to treating Augustus with this attitude.


    The crowd snickered. This was not the first time they saw such a scene. Augustus''s identity as a cowardly man who married into his wife''s family had been deeply rooted in the hearts of those people.


    Augustus stared at Liane with his red face. Putting aside how other people treated him, even his mother-in-law stood by others indiscriminately. This deeply disappointed Augustus.


    "I''m not wrong, so I won''t apologize! Also, you''re Jeanne''s mother, so I respect you, but it doesn''t mean that I''ll let you hit and scold me. I hope that this is the last time you hit me!"


    Augustus''s words were neither servile nor overbearing, but Liane was subdued.


    Just then, a voice spoke.


    "Wow, even your wife and your mother-in-law can''t keep you in check anymore. Augustus Cross, you must really think that you''re the head of the family!"


    The one who spoke was Jeanne''s eldest brother, Carter Harrington!


    Harrington Corporation was a family business, and Jeanne was only the head of the sales department. Carter was in charge of the marketing department and was also Old Madam Harrington''s favorite grandson!


    Carter had always regarded Jeanne as a rival for the successor of Harrington Corp, so he squeezed Augustus at every chance he got.


    Carter looked at Jeanne and said with a teasing smile, "Jeanne, it seems your methods aren''t working. If you can''t even discipline your husband, how can you manage Harrington Corp in the future?"


    Augustus frowned. "Shut your mouth, Carter. Don''t try to use this issue to further your agenda!"


    "It''s you who should shut your mouth!" Old Madam Harrington flew into a rage and slammed her cane on the ground heavily.. "Carter is a child of the Harrington family. A man like you isn''t qualified to talk back!"

 Chapter 8 - Please Help Me

    "Over the years, Carter made great contributions to Harrington Corporation and makes tens of millions of revenue every year! But what about you? What else can you do besides washing clothes, cooking and watching the children?


    "If it weren''t for Jeanne''s grandfather, would a useless good-for-nothing like you be worthy of joining the Harrington family?


    "Let me tell you, without the Harrington family, you''re worth sh*t! That invalid of your mother would already be dead!"


    Old Madam Harrington''s words were like needles, stabbing Augustus''s dignity to the point of dripping blood.


    Augustus''s heart was ice cold.


    It turned out that in the eyes of the Harrington family, he was always an outsider. He was nothing more than a piece of trash who lived off the Harrington family and was forever indebted to them!


    "Grandma, Augustus actually thinks of the Harrington family. For example, if not for his quick wits yesterday¡­"


    Jeanne wanted to speak up on behalf of Augustus but was interrupted by Carter.


    "Quick wits? Jeanne, I think you''ve lost your mind!"


    "What do you mean?"


    "What do I mean? Do you really think that he, a loser who couldn''t finish university, knows how to cure diseases? He was just lucky yesterday. Have you ever thought about what would''ve happened if those patients weren''t faking illness and were actually sick? What would happen if he really hit the man with that iron rod? I''m afraid the entire Harrington Corp would be ruined by him!"


    Jeanne froze in place. She really did not think about that.


    Could it be that yesterday really was just Augustus''s luck?


    Old Madam Harrington snorted coldly. "I told you long ago that he''s just a piece of sh*t! I don''t know what went in the old man''s mind back then to marry Jeanne to this trash!


    "Fortunately, I never expected anything from you. The burden of the Harrington family can only be borne by the Harrington family!"


    Old Madam Harrington''s expression changed as she looked at the crowd and said solemnly, "Actually, I have a very important announcement to make today. It''s about Carter!


    "Just yesterday, Carter passed all the tests and successfully became an elite member of the Halmont Medical Association!"


    As soon as the words were spoken, the Harrington family burst with joy.


    In fact, they had been waiting for this moment for a long time.


    Harrington Corporation was a pharmaceutical company, and the Medical Association not only had the right to supervise the entire pharmaceutical industry, they also had a great say in major hospitals and pharmacies!


    To some extent, the Medical Association could influence the whole market!


    That was especially true for elite members, who had great power. The revenue that could be brought in was immeasurable.


    Halmont City was the most important medical center with thousands of pharmaceutical companies.


    These companies were all trying their best to get their people to become elite members of the Medical Association just to gain a share in the market. Carter''s success was absolutely great news for the entire Harrington family!


    "As expected of Carter! You''re amazing!"


    "I told you all that the Harrington family still has to depend on Carter in the future!"


    "That''s right. He''s not like a certain someone who does nothing all day and only knows how to freeload off the Harrington family. He''s basically a parasite!"


    Jeanne naturally knew that the family was talking about Augustus and only felt humiliated.


    Carter enjoyed the flattery from the people and said with a beaming face, "As a member of the Harrington family, it''s my duty to work for the family. In addition, the heads of three companies have already revealed to me yesterday their intention for business after hearing that I would become an elite member. The deal adds up to at least 20 million!"


    "Goodness, that''s so much!"


    "It seems our dividends this year will definitely go up!"


    "Carter is simply the hero of the Harrington family!"


    The crowd was extremely excited, and even Old Madam Hill was smiling from ear to ear.


    At that moment, Wendy sneered at Augustus.


    "You should know the gap between you now! You aren''t even worthy of being compared to Carter, so why don''t you hurry up and apologize to Josh? Your daughter has to apologize too!"


    Wendy took advantage of the situation to file the request.


    The most frustrating thing was that Wendy''s words immediately gained the support of others.


    "Yeah, hurry up and apologize!"


    "Apologize!"


    "Apologize!"


    Looking at the faces of the people in front of him, Augustus was furious.


    At that moment, a servant suddenly rushed over.


    "Old Madam, there''s a guest outside. He said his name was Howard Zander."


    "Howard Zander? He''s the best doctor in Halmont City as well as the president of the Medical Association!"


    Everyone was shocked. This was definitely a bigshot they could not afford to offend!


    However, they did not understand why such a bigshot would suddenly come to the Harrington family.


    "I see. Carter became an elite member yesterday, and Doctor Zander is the president of the Medical Association, so he must be here to personally congratulate Carter!"


    Everyone was instantly struck by realization and nodded in succession.


    Old Madam Harrington''s expression brightened as she spoke, and she hurriedly told the servant to bring the person in.


    A few seconds later, a white-haired old man hurried into the inner courtyard. It was Doctor Howard Zander.


    Carter was very excited. He adjusted his shirt and greeted the man with a smile. "Doctor Zander, it''s very kind of you to make the trip in person¡­"


    However, before Carter could finish speaking, Howard walked straight to Augustus without sparing Carter a glance and kneeled down without saying a word.


    "Doctor Cross, please help me. Please save my grandson''s life!"


    At that moment, the Harrington family was plunged into a pin-drop silence.

 Chapter 9 - I Can鈥檛 Cure Your Grandson鈥檚 Illness

    Everyone could not believe their eyes.


    The great Doctor Zander, the president of the Medical Association, Howard Zander, was kneeling in front of Augustus, a man who lived in his wife''s house, and even called him ''Doctor Cross''?


    That was simply unimaginable!


    "Doctor Zander, are¡­ are you mistaken? Augustus is just a man who married into our Harrington family. When did he become a doctor?"


    "Yes, you''re the best doctor in Halmont City!"


    When Howard saw the attitudes of the Harrington family, he knew that they must have been bullying Augustus a lot in their daily lives, and he became a little angry.


    "Just a man who married into your family? You lot must be blind! Doctor Cross''s medical skills are more than enough to herald him as a Sage Doctor. As long as Doctor Cross is here, no one else is qualified to be called the best doctor in Halmont!"


    Howard said sternly, but the Harrington family were dumbfounded. Their jaws almost dropped to the ground.


    Doctor Cross?


    Sage Doctor?


    Was this really the Augustus Cross they knew?


    Howard ignored them and looked at Augustus again.


    Howard had been lucky. After Clara Jones had been saved by Augustus on the street yesterday, she mobilized the Jones family forces to find Augustus''s whereabouts and finally found him this morning.


    Almost at the same time, Howard also received the news that his grandson Jace Zander developed a form of skin cancer, melanoma, which had reached the end stage!


    This disease was a type of terminal illness, and even Howard could not do anything about it.


    In his desperation, he suddenly thought of Augustus.


    Howard once saw a case of melanoma being cured in an ancient book named [Ghost Remedies] from the Jin Dynasty. In the book, the disease was cured using a technique similar to Augustus''s meridian resonance!


    In other words, Augustus was Howard''s only hope now!


    "Doctor Cross, my grandson Jace suddenly developed melanoma. Only you can save his life. Please, help him!"


    Howard knelt on the ground and begged again.


    The Harrington family were terrified. There were very few people in Halmont that could make the great Doctor Zander kneel before them.


    Although they did not know how Augustus did it, they knew very clearly that right now, the Harrington family had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!


    Carter was just an ordinary elite member of the Medical Association, but he was already able to seal contracts worth 20 million for Harrington Corporation. If he could build connections with Howard, the president of the Medical Association, then Harrington Corporation will soar to the heavens!


    Old Madam Harrington had always been a shrewd person and would naturally not let go of such a good opportunity. She immediately chided Augustus, "Augustus, what are you doing? Hurry up and kneel and thank Doctor Zander for giving you such a good opportunity!"


    The rest of the Harrington family then snapped back to their senses and urged Augustus to thank Howard.


    In their view, it was Augustus''s honor that Howard came to him for help. The one who should say thanks was not Doctor Zander, but Augustus.


    After all, not everyone could have such a good opportunity to befriend the dean of Halmont Medical Academy!


    However, they did not expect Augustus to look at Howard calmly.


    "Sorry, but I can''t cure your grandson''s illness."


    The simple sentence made the Harrington family explode.


    After all, he was facing Howard Zander!


    With just one word from Howard, it could help Harrington Corporation soar to the skies. Similarly, Howard could make it so there was no place for Harrington Corp to stay in Halmont City.


    However, Augustus unexpectedly dared to reject this person in such a tone. He was simply too reckless!


    "You shameful b*stard! Doctor Zander asked you for help because he thinks highly of you, and you dare be unappreciative? You''re absolutely shameless!"


    Old Madam Harrington stomped her feet in anger and slammed her cane on the ground so hard that it broke.


    Carter was also furious. "That''s right, you''re just a good-for-nothing who married into your wife''s family. How dare you be rude to Doctor Zander? Hurry up and kneel and apologize to him!"


    "That''s right, kneel and apologize!"


    Everyone in the Harrington family was filled with indignation, as if they were enemies of Augustus.


    Even Jeanne painstakingly persuaded him. "Augustus, hurry up and apologize. Go and treat Doctor Zander''s grandson!"


    In Jeanne''s view, this was an opportunity for Augustus to change his fortune in the Harrington family and make the Harrington family perceive him differently.


    However, Jeanne could not understand Augustus''s current emotions.


    Augustus heard clearly that the patient was none other than Jace Zander.


    It was the person who caused him to drop out of school, forced him to kneel and prostrate himself, punched and kicked him, and trampled on his dignity underfoot!


    Augustus was not a saint and he was not that magnanimous. Jace tormented him yesterday but needed his help today, but Augustus was unable to disregard the past and just help him.


    He could not do it!


    Augustus looked at Howard and said, "Doctor Zander, as you can see, I''m just a man who lives with his wife''s family. I''m just a coward who can be bullied by anyone. I can''t save your grandson. You should ask somebody else!"


    The Harrington family was completely dumbfounded. They did not expect that Augustus, who usually kept his voice down and let people take advantage of him, would actually dare to go against them today!

 Chapter 10 - A Doctor鈥檚 Heart

    When Howard heard Augustus''s answer, he felt disappointed and puzzled.


    Yesterday on the street, Augustus was able to help a random passerby. It did not make sense that he would refuse directly when Howard took the initiative to come to his door for help!


    Then, Howard finally figured out that the reason Augustus refused him was likely related to the Harrington family!


    It was very possible that Augustus refused him because he was angry at the Harrington family!


    At that thought, Howard already had a plan in mind.


    "I understand, Doctor Cross. It was my fault for springing this on you out of nowhere. Please don''t blame me for that. I''ll take my leave now!"


    Then, Howard got up and left without saying more.


    "You shameless thing, how dare you offend Doctor Zander?! Are you trying to anger me to death?!"


    As soon as Howard left, Old Madam Harrington exploded like a thunderstorm.


    "Grandma, I think not only he wants to anger you to death but to ruin the entire Harrington family!"


    Carter pointed at Augustus and said, "Do you know who Doctor Zander is? Not only is he the dean of Halmont Medical Academy, he''s also the president of the Medical Association! If you offend him, Harrington Corporation will be in an extremely difficult situation in Halmont City!"


    After Carter''s words were spoken, everyone else in the Harrington family became furious too.


    "Augustus, you can''t achieve anything and instead bring ruin to us!"


    "It''s bad enough that you didn''t help him, but you even caused trouble for the Harrington family!"


    "The contracts that Carter tried so hard to get will be ruined by you!"


    "Grandma, we can''t let him off lightly!"


    "Yes, we can''t let him off lightly!"


    Cutting off a person''s financial resources was like killing their parents. At that moment, Augustus incurred the wrath of the Harrington family.


    Looking at their furious expressions, Augustus smiled helplessly.


    "You guys are the ones who said that I''m just a piece of trash who didn''t even finish uni, yet you want me to treat the grandson of the great Doctor Zander? Don''t you find yourselves contradictory?"


    The Harrington family exchanged glances and was speechless for a moment.


    "Shut your mouth!"


    Old Madam Harrington flew into a rage.


    "Since you''re just an ingrate who doesn''t know what''s good for you, don''t blame me for being ruthless. From today onwards, the monthly dividends for your family will be cut off!"


    "What¡­"


    Jeanne and Liane froze in place.


    Their family''s biggest source of income was the monthly dividends from Harrington Corporation. Now that it was being cut off, it was a disaster for their family!


    Augustus frowned immediately. "The fault lies with me, why are you punishing Jeanne?"


    Old Madam Harrington snorted coldly. "A useless man like you doesn''t have a say in how I deal with her!"


    "That''s right. If Jeanne wants to blame anyone, then she should blame you. Let''s see if you dare to act as you please again!"


    Carter''s expression was smug.


    Liane was already displeased with Augustus in the first place, and now, she looked at Augustus as if she wanted to eat him alive.


    "This is all your fault!"


    Augustus did not expect to cause so much trouble for Jeanne''s family and also felt guilty in his heart.


    "Don''t worry, Jeanne. I''ll find a way regarding the money!"


    Before this, Augustus might not be able to give Jeanne happiness, but now that he had amazing medical skills, it was bound to be much easier to make money.


    It was a pity that no one was willing to believe him.


    Carter took the opportunity to taunt him, "You''re just a man who lives with his wife''s family and has nothing without the Harringtons. What are you going to do? It''ll be good enough if whatever you think of can prevent Jeanne from starving along with you!"


    "That''s right, Jeanne should''ve left this kind of man a long time ago. I don''t know how you''ve lived all these years!"


    Wendy looked sympathetic, but she was actually provoking them.


    The couple''s words were like pouring oil on the fire, making Jeanne furious.


    "Let''s go!"


    Jeanne picked Skylar up and turned to leave.


    Liane and Owen also glared at Augustus before leaving in resentment.


    "Jeanne, Skylar!"


    Augustus chased after them but saw that Jeanne had already driven the car away.


    Augustus sighed. He knew that Jeanne was truly angry this time!


    Just as he went to the roadside to get a bike-sharing bicycle to go home, a black Audi A8 suddenly stopped in front of him, and the person who came out was none other than Howard Zander!


    "You again?"


    "Doctor Cross, I''m here again for my grandson. He''s in critical condition. Please help save him! I''m begging you!"


    Howard knelt again as he spoke, tears flowing from his eyes.


    Seeing Howard like this, even Augustus could not bear it.


    Even if he had a grudge, it was with Jace and had nothing to do with Howard.


    Augustus really could not bear to see an old man fall into despair because of his grandson. It was the same despair he felt with his daughter before.


    "Doctor Zander, let me ask you, if a stranger had a disease and you were the only one in the world who could save her, would you be willing to travel thousands of miles to help her immediately?"


    "I''m a doctor. Of course I''d be willing!"


    Howard''s face was resolute and sincere. He was clearly not saying it to be perfunctory.


    Augustus nodded in satisfaction. "Alright, I can try to cure your grandson''s illness!"

 Chapter 11 - Primordial Nine Needles

    Howard was overjoyed. "Thank you, Doctor Cross! I shall never forget your kindness!"


    "You''re too polite, Elder Zander. I''m of humble talent and don''t deserve to be called a doctor, so please just call me Mr. Cross or Augustus."


    Howard was ashamed of his words.


    His medical skills were not even half of Augustus''s, but he had been called the best doctor for many years.


    "Mr. Cross, please get in the car."


    Howard said and personally opened the car door for Augustus.


    "No need. This place isn''t far from Maplewood Villa, so I can just ride the bike there. Also, I still need a set of Primordial Nine Needles which won''t be easy to buy. I hope that Elder Zander can help me find one."


    "Primordial Nine Needles?"


    Howard was stunned.


    As everyone knew, the needles used in acupuncture today were all new and improved by recent technology.


    However, according to the rumors, the needles used in the past were all made by a legendary figure called Fuxi. They were also known as the Primordial Nine Needles!


    Those were recorded in the [Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor] and the [Imperial Reader], but due to the gaps between knowledge that was passed down, there were very few people now who had even heard of the Primordial Nine Needles, much less know how to use them.


    Howard once again concluded that Augustus''s medical skills were well beyond that of ordinary people!


    Later, Augustus left on the bike while Howard had someone drive him around the city to look for the Primordial Nine Needles.


    However, only after he set off did he realize something.


    He had never met Augustus before, so how did Augustus know he lived in Maplewood Villa?


    Twenty minutes later, Augustus arrived at the gate of Maplewood Villa on his bike.


    Looking at the large gate in front of him, he felt some regret in his heart.


    Yesterday, he came here to ask for Howard''s help, but today, Howard came to him for help instead. Fate was really unpredictable.


    After parking the bike, Augustus waited for Howard by the side of the road.


    Augustus did not want to cause any trouble, but unfortunately, trouble came to him instead.


    Not long after Augustus stood there, the security chief from yesterday came up to him.


    "Why are you here again? Didn''t you have enough after getting beaten up and urinated on yesterday? Are you here to embarrass yourself again? Hahaha¡­"


    Augustus was very unhappy. The man''s ruthless look was still fresh in his mind, and he did not expect the guard to mock him again today.


    "I''m waiting for someone here. Is that any of your business?"


    The security chief sneered. "Waiting for someone? Do you know what this place is? This is the most upscale villa residence in Halmont City. Are you qualified to know the people here? Cut the crap already. If you dare to show up in front of me again, don''t blame me for being impolite!"


    After yesterday''s incident, the security chief clearly felt that Augustus was a weak and easy-to-bully person, so his attitude was horrible.


    However, just as he spoke, he heard a furious rebuke. "Who the hell do you think you are? How dare you be disrespectful to Mr. Cross!"


    "D-Doctor Zander?"


    The security chief watched in fear as Howard arrived in his car.


    Howard was furious. He pointed at the security guard and yelled again. "I''m asking you a question. Who do you think you are? How dare you be disrespectful to Mr. Cross?!"


    "No, Doctor Zander, he¡­ He''s just a poor loser. Yesterday, Young Master Zander even¡­"


    "Who gave you the confidence to act like such a snob? I''m telling you, Mr. Cross is my esteemed guest. Whoever dares to disrespect him is my enemy!"


    The guard was stunned.


    What was going on? Yesterday, Augustus came here to beg for Doctor Zander''s help, but today, he suddenly became Doctor Zander''s esteemed guest?


    Howard pointed to the guard and said, "As for you, I was the one who saved the life of your President Lake. I''ll tell him that snobs like you aren''t worthy to continue working here!"


    Then, Howard opened the door personally and respectfully invited Augustus to get in the car.


    Looking at the Audi driving away, the guard slumped to the ground as if he had lost everything.


    At that moment, his insides twisted in regret!


    In the luxurious villa, Jace lay feebly on the sickbed.


    Jace''s face was pale as he coughed incessantly. He looked completely different from yesterday.


    Since yesterday''s diagnosis, Jace''s psyche had completely collapsed. All he could think about was that he was about to die.


    "Dad, Mom, you have to save me. I''m still young. I don''t want to die, sob sob sob¡­"


    Jace cried with snot and tears, looking very pitiful.


    In front of the bed, his mother and father looked bitter.


    They only had one son, but now he was terminally ill. This was simply a disaster for them.


    The mother, Joceline Faber, wiped her tears and said comfortingly, "Jace, don''t worry. Your grandfather has found a doctor. He''ll definitely have a way to cure your illness!"


    "Really? But isn''t Grandfather the best doctor in Halmont? When he can''t do anything, what can others do?"


    "What do you know? There are always people who are better in the world. Just because your grandfather can''t cure you doesn''t mean other people can''t too. In any case, just rest assured. The Zander family has a lot of money, so there''s no need to worry about not being able to cure your illness!"


    That being said, Derrick Zander still felt a little uneasy.


    He really did not know if there was anyone in Halmont City whose medical skills were superior to Howard.


    At that moment, there was a loud noise outside the door, and Howard walked into the room in three strides.


    "Grandpa, why are you so late? If you''d been any later, I''d have died already!"


    Jace cried and whined.


    "How could you say that? You''re my only grandson. How could I let you die? Don''t worry, I''ve already called a master here. He''ll definitely be able to save you! Let me introduce to you, this is the doctor I called here, Mr. Cross!"


    Jace looked over with anticipation only to be completely stunned when he saw the figure that appeared in front of him.


    "Augustus Cross!"


    Augustus looked at Jace and his lips curled in a smirk. "How the tables have turned, right?"

 Chapter 12 - You Know Him?

    Jace laughed in anger and looked at Howard like he was looking at an idiot.


    "Grandpa, are you toying with me? You even found this idiot to fool me. I think you actually can''t wait for me to die instead!"


    Jace thought that his grandfather really found a Sage Doctor, but unexpectedly it turned out to be this loser Augustus Cross!


    He was feeling indignant and resentful!


    Howard was stunned and asked, "What''s going on? You know Mr. Cross?"


    Jace put on a disdainful expression. "Not only do I know him, but we''re also really close with each other. He''s been p*ss poor since he was a kid and had to leave university because he didn''t even have the money. Trash like him isn''t even worth carrying my shoes! You even invited him here to treat me. I think you must have gone senile!"


    "Shut your mouth. How could you talk to your grandfather like that?!"


    Derrick admonished Jace, but he looked at Howard with complaining eyes.


    "Dad, I''m not trying to blame you, but just who did you bring to us?"


    The man in front of him was in his thirties at most. How could someone of his age have any great abilities?


    "That''s right, if he''s a poor man who couldn''t even complete university, what kind of doctor could he be? Dad, Jace is your grandson, but you brought in a random person to muddle things up. You''re too irresponsible!"


    Joceline also showed undisguised contempt for Augustus.


    "Looks like you don''t need me here. In that case, I''ll take my leave!"


    Augustus snorted coldly and turned to leave.


    "Yeah, get the f*ck out! Don''t let me see you again, or I''ll beat you up again!"


    "Shut your mouth!"


    Howard was so angry that his body shook. Then, he kneeled in front of Augustus.


    "Mr. Cross, they offended you because I didn''t discipline them properly. Please forgive them! Please wait in the living room for now while I talk to them. Please!"


    Augustus sighed and went to the living room.


    If not for Howard''s sake, Augustus really could not care less about Jace''s life or death.


    Ten minutes later, Howard reinvited Augustus back to the makeshift ward in the room.


    Earlier, Augustus already told Jace and the others of how Augustus saved Clara Jones yesterday, and the family was somewhat convinced that Augustus had some medical skills.


    However, that was all.


    "For Grandpa''s sake, I''ll give you a chance. Don''t worry, if you cure me, we won''t try to shortchange you!"


    Jace raised his chin and said with an arrogant face.


    Joceline also warned coldly, "We can pay you for this, but you better be careful. Jace is the heir of the Zander family and is worth his weight in gold. If something goes wrong when you''re curing him, I''ll never let you off!"


    Augustus let out a laugh in anger. He was here to save Jace''s life, but now it was as if he owed them this favor.


    He was not that cheap!


    "Since the lives of your family are so valuable, then carry on. Goodbye!"


    Augustus turned to leave.


    This time, the Zander family became truly anxious.


    After all, according to Howard''s words, Alex was the only one who could save Jace''s life. If he left, then Jace would really have to wait for death!


    Derrick blocked Augustus''s path. "Wait, as long as you cure Jace''s illness, I''ll give you 20 million! If that''s not enough, we can still negotiate!"


    Augustus sneered. "Do you think that you can buy anything as long as you have money?"


    "Augustus, what the hell do you want?"


    Jace sat up on his bed in anger.


    Augustus looked at him coldly. "It''s simple. I want you to beg me the same way I begged you yesterday."


    To be honest, Augustus did not intend to be vengeful at first, but Jace and his family''s attitude changed his mind!


    "F*ck you! You''re not worthy to make me kneel and prostrate to you!"


    Jace exploded like a volcano and roared madly.


    However, before he could finish his sentence, he coughed violently again.


    This time, he coughed out crimson blood that instantly stained the quilt red.


    "Jace!"


    Derrick and Joceline were terrified.


    Jace was also frightened and burst into tears. "I don''t wanna die! I don''t wanna die! Aaaaaah¡­"


    Augustus looked at him calmly and said indifferently, "The toxin in your body has already spread to your lungs. You can live for another ten days at most."


    At those words, Jace cried in fear.


    Derrick and Joceline also cried, their hearts burning with anxiety.


    It was Howard who saw through the situation and pulled Jace''s ear, dragging him to the ground.


    "You useless thing, hurry up and kneel to Mr. Cross! Do you really want to die?"

 Chapter 13 - What Goes Around, Comes Around

    Jace also finally came to his senses. If Augustus did not help him, he would really meet the grim reaper!


    Thus, he gnashed his teeth and finally knelt in front of Augustus.


    "Augustus, please help me!"


    Augustus looked at Jace in front of him and said with a calm expression, "Your voice is too low. I can''t hear you."


    He returned the words spoken by Jace yesterday back to him.


    Jace''s expression turned ferocious. "F*ck you! Don''t go too far!"


    Augustus smiled. "Am I going too far? You don''t have to do this. I won''t force you."


    "You¡­"


    Jace choked on his words.


    Joceline wanted to say something, but Howard glared at her.


    Although Howard did not know what happened between them, he was well aware of his grandson''s virtues.


    If Jace had not gone overboard, a person with Augustus''s character would not make things hard for him!


    Howard was so angry he slapped Jace''s head. "What are you waiting for? Hurry up and bow!"


    Derrick and Joceline stood by the side, not daring to add to the mess.


    Jace clenched his fists in anger. Now, he wanted nothing more than to kill Augustus.


    However, for the sake of his miserable life, he finally bowed his head.


    Bam!


    "Please save me!"


    Augustus''s face was calm without any ripples.


    Howard understood. "Again!"


    Jace gnashed his teeth and bowed again.


    Bam!


    "Please save me!"


    "Again! Do it until Mr. Cross is satisfied!"


    Bam bam bam bam!


    "Augustus, I was wrong!


    "You''re a magnanimous person who won''t harbor grudges. Please forgive me!


    "Please save me!"


    "Please! Please!"


    Jace''s desire to live exploded as he desperately bowed and begged for mercy. His forehead split open and blood streamed down, just like how Augustus was yesterday.


    Looking at his humble posture now, Augustus did not feel that pleased.


    What goes around, comes around!


    Jace got what he deserved!


    Moments later, Jace''s face was covered with blood, and the floor was stained red too.


    "Enough."


    Augustus finally spoke, "Go get ready. I''ll treat you now."


    Howard and the others finally sighed in relief.


    Jace was also granted amnesty and finally stopped.


    However, a vicious look flashed under his expression.


    At his age, he had never been as humiliated as he was today. He would definitely not let this matter rest like this!


    After that, Augustus began to check Jace''s pulse.


    According to the [Eternal Qihuang Arts], there was actually a distinction between the surface pulse and the nether pulse.


    However, because of faults when passing on knowledge about the medical arts, the practitioners of medicine today could only diagnose the surface pulse.


    In reality, it was the nether pulse that could reflect more clearly human diseases.


    At that time, Augustus injected a burst of vital energy into Jace''s body with his fingertips. All the invisible veins under Jace''s skin lit up like lamps, fully displayed in Augustus''s mind.


    Augustus could see clearly all the parts infected by the black toxin. It was the toxin that came from the malignant melanoma!


    It was not an exaggeration to say that Jace was terminally ill. Augustus''s previous judgment was not wrong at all. With Jace''s current condition, it would be an overestimation to say that Jace could stay alive for ten days.


    "Mr. Cross, can you¡­ cure Jace''s illness?"


    Augustus withdrew his hand and looked at Howard. "Don''t worry, it''s not too late. Did you find the Primordial Nine Needles I told you to get?"


    "Yes!"


    Howard quickly handed over a delicate sandalwood box.


    Opening the box, the Primordial Nine Needles that Augustus wanted laid inside!


    The Primordial Nine Needles included the arrow-headed needle, round needle, spoon needle, lance needle, stiletto needle, and so on. Each needle had its own function.


    Augustus''s finger swept five long needles and stabbed them into Jace''s Shaofu and Taichong points on his hands and feet, respectively, and the last one at the Baihui point on his head.


    This was the "Five Pole Gate Seal" that sealed all the outlets for the toxin.


    Howard and the others watched as Augustus stabbed five needles into Jace instantaneously.


    Derrick and Joceline no longer dared to underestimate the young man in front of them.


    Augustus reached out once again and pierced the long needle and spoon needle into Jace''s Sanyang and Yongquan points.


    The long needle was thin and slender, and was mainly used to treat pathogenic energy.


    The spoon needle had a slightly round tip that would replenish the meridians and cause the pathogenic energy to exit.


    The toxin from the melanoma had invaded almost all parts of Jace''s body, so Augustus used this method of blocking the exits and purifying the insides to remove the toxicity.


    A few moments later, all the other needles were in place. All nine needles were used to their greatest potential!


    Howard''s heart flooded with waves upon seeing this scene in front of him.


    There was probably no other person in this world who was able to use these long lost Primordial Nine Needles in such a perfect way.


    However, the stunning part had just begun.


    "Rise!"


    With a deep shout from Augustus, the needles trembled and hummed violently on Jace''s body as if they were alive.


    This scene caused Derrick and Joceline to stare with wide-eyed shock.


    "Oh my God, the needles¡­ are alive!"

 Chapter 14 - The Farmer And The Snake

    Derrick and Joceline were amazed. It was the first time they saw the supreme stunt that was meridian resonance.


    As the needles trembled in the acupoints, an even more amazing scene happened. From Jace''s extremities, something black flowed through his blood vessels, in a way visible to the naked eye, toward his throat.


    It was as if there were countless black earthworms wriggling under the blood vessels. They were the toxins that had spread throughout Jace''s body.


    "Aaaargh! It hurts! I''m dying!"


    Jace''s body trembled in excruciating pain as the silver needle extracted the poison.


    Joceline suddenly became anxious and grabbed Augustus. "What are you doing? Why is Jace hurting so much? Are you harming him?! I think you''re just taking advantage of this to settle your grudge, aren''t you? Stop curing him! Hurry up and stop!"


    Seeing Joceline like this, Augustus finally understood why Jace was such a scumbag. He was completely spoiled by Joceline!


    Spare the rod and spoil the child. That saying was completely true!


    Seeing how Joceline was so anxious that she was about to pull the needle out herself, Howard slapped her across the face.


    "What the hell do you think you''re doing?! Are you trying to kill Jace?!"


    Joceline fell to the ground after the hit and looked at Jace, crying in distress.


    As a mother, Joceline pampered and spoiled Jace, but her love had caused countless innocent people to be harmed.


    With the moxibustion needles and vital energy, all the toxins were pushed to Jace''s throat.


    "Pfft!"


    A mouthful of black blood gushed out of Jace''s mouth and he passed out.


    "Jace!"


    Derrick quickly rushed over.


    Joceline pointed to Augustus and shrieked, "You b*stard, if anything happens to Jace, I''ll never forgive you!"


    "Cough cough¡­"


    Jace coughed twice and woke up.


    "Mr. Cross, how is Jace?"


    Augustus put away the needles one by one. "Don''t worry, the melanoma has disappeared. He''s fine now."


    Howard looked over and saw that the melanoma on Jace''s feet had completely disappeared, and was immediately overjoyed.


    "He''s cured! He''s really cured!"


    Howard was so happy he knelt in front of Augustus. "Mr. Cross, you''re basically the reincarnation of Hua Tuo. I will never forget your great kindness today!"


    As he spoke, he took out a bank card and handed it to Augustus.


    "Mr. Cross, there''s 50 million in this card. Thank you for saving Jace''s life. Please accept it!"


    Before Augustus could say anything, Derrick snatched the card away.


    "50 million? Dad, you''re giving him too much!"


    "That''s right, he only used twenty minutes. How is such a short amount of time worth so much money? If you ask me, just give him one million. Didn''t Jace say this earlier, Mr. Cross''s family conditions aren''t that good. One million is already a lot for him."


    Joceline looked mean and did not appear grateful at all.


    Augustus snorted coldly. With the couple''s personality, it was not strange at all that their son turned out to be such a scumbag.


    Howard''s face flushed in anger. "If Mr. Cross hadn''t helped, Jace would''ve died! How could you turn your back on him after he saved Jace? You''re too much!"


    Joceline crossed her arms and said calmly, "Dad, you can''t say that. If you ask me, Jace''s illness might not have been that serious. If it was, how could he have cured Jace so easily?"


    Derrick nodded in agreement. "Joceline has a point. How about this¡ª You, whatever your name is, you can go back first. We''ll transfer the one million to you when we have time."


    Derrick basically told Augustus to get out.


    "You¡­"


    Howard was so angry that he was trembling, and Augustus laughed instead.


    He saw a real-life version of the story with the farmer and the snake.


    However, what the Zander family did next told Augustus that he did not know the story deep enough.


    Jace wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and stood up.


    He could clearly feel that the toxins in his body had disappeared, and his whole body was rejuvenated.


    "You made me bow to you and you still want money? I''m telling you, don''t even think about the money. You won''t even be able to walk out of this courtyard!"


    Jace snorted coldly.


    Just as he spoke, a commotion came from outside and a dozen young men rushed into the room.


    Looking over, Augustus saw the pack of scoundrels that were with Jace yesterday. Even the blonde Andy Cabot was there too.


    In fact, when Augustus was in the living room, Jace had already sent a message to Andy and the others, telling them to come here to teach Jace a lesson.


    From the very beginning, Jace had no intention of being nice to Augustus!


    Howard frowned, "Jace, what are you doing?!"


    A ruthless expression surfaced on Jace''s face. "What am I doing? Of course, I''m going to teach Doctor Cross a lesson! I''ll teach him how to behave in front of me!"


    Then, he signalled Andy.


    "Come on, break both of his legs so he kneels for the rest of his life and can never stand up!"

 Chapter 15 - You Get What You Deserve

    As Jace commanded, Andy and the others approached Augustus with malicious intent.


    "Stop, Mr. Cross is the great benefactor of the Zander family! You''re not allowed to be rude to him!"


    Howard was filled with indignation and wanted to stop them, but he was pulled aside by Derrick and Joceline.


    "Dad, let the young people settle their own affairs. You shouldn''t blindly interfere."


    "That''s right. That poor man dared to make Jace kneel before it. He should be taught a lesson!"


    "You¡­"


    Howard almost fainted from anger.


    He never thought that his own son, daughter-in-law, and grandson would be such scumbags!


    At that moment, Andy had already walked up to Augustus and sneered.


    "F*ck, looks like the lesson we gave you yesterday wasn''t enough. To think you''d dare to come and cause trouble for Jace today too! In that case, don''t blame us for being ruthless!"


    Augustus''s face was calm. "Andy, don''t blame me for not warning you. If you try to attack me, I guarantee that I''ll make you regret it!"


    Andy and the others felt like they had just heard the most ridiculous joke in the world.


    In university, Augustus was the target of bullies, and yesterday, they beat him until he was half-dead and even pissed all over him. Naturally, they would not care a word he said.


    "Hahaha, did I hear you right? A loser like you dares to talk big in front of us? Sure, I want to see how you make me regret it!"


    With that, Andy swung his fist towards Augustus''s face.


    Andy was an expert at working out and lifting weights in the gym often. He put all his strength into his punch, obviously not intending to hold back.


    However, before his fist could touch Augustus, a bam was heard as Andy''s body was kicked away by Augustus.


    "F*ck, how dare you fight back! Get him! Break his legs!"


    A dozen people rushed at Augustus together. Jace''s eyes radiated a vicious and excited look.


    He could not wait to see Augustus knocked down in front of him.


    However, the fiery and excitement in his eyes gradually receded and was replaced by a kind of incredulity.


    That was because he watched as the dozen or so people he summoned were beaten to the ground by Augustus in just a few seconds!


    "How could this be¡­"


    Jace was in utter disbelief.


    Augustus, who had been beaten to the ground like a piece of trash by them yesterday, single handedly defeated all of them today.


    Was this still the Augustus he knew?


    How would he know that ever since the awakening of the dragon tattoo yesterday, Augustus was no longer the same Augustus who could be taken advantage of!


    Augustus stomped on Andy''s arm, breaking the bone, and walked over to Jace.


    Jace was so scared that his legs went weak. He almost collapsed to the ground.


    "W-What do you want?" Jace was so frightened that he could not speak well.


    A chill flashed in Augustus''s eyes.


    From the university where he was forced to drop out from the bullying, to yesterday when he begged on his knees for his daughter, Jace had bullied him too much for too long. He also tolerated it time and time again.


    Today, he saved Jace''s life, but Jace still tried to break his legs!


    If he tolerated that as well, then he would be too good to bully!


    "You want me to remain kneeled and never to stand up, right? I''ll grant your wish!"


    Then, he swept the silver needle in his hand, and Jace collapsed to his knees in front of Augustus with a thud.


    "I can''t move my legs! Augustus, what did you do to me?!"


    Jace was terrified when he suddenly lost all sensation in his legs.


    Augustus''s expression was cold. "I saved you before because your grandfather has the benevolent heart of a doctor. I''m crippling you now because you returned kindness with ingratitude. This is what you deserve!"


    Jace was both shocked and angry when he heard this.


    "Augustus, you b*stard. I''ll kill you!"


    Joceline immediately stood up and pointed at Augustus. "You son of a b*tch, hurry up and fix Jace''s legs now or I''ll send you to jail!"


    "Send me to jail?" Augustus snorted coldly and said casually, "Compared to that, you should be more concerned over whether your son can continue living or not."


    Joceline followed Augustus''s gaze and instantly turned pale with fright.


    Only then did she notice that the final moxibustion needle had not been removed from Jace''s right foot, and around that needle, the melanoma that was gone had reappeared!


    "What''s going on?"


    Augustus''s face was calm. "This last needle was the closest to the lesion. It was tainted with a lot of toxins and should''ve been pulled out as soon as possible along with the other needles, but because of the disruption from those people, the toxins refluxed and are flowing back into the bloodstream. The disease has already relapsed."


    "What¡­"


    Joceline felt like she was struck by lightning.. Jace was so scared that his vision went black as he fainted.

 Chapter 16 - Why Did You Come Back?

    The Zander family never dreamed that things would develop as such.


    They destroyed the bridge after crossing the river, but now Jace''s life fell into Augustus''s hands once again.


    "Augustus, Augustus! I was wrong. I''m not a human, I''m not a human! Please help me again! Please, please help me!"


    After Jace came to his senses, he knelt in front of Augustus and bowed again.


    "Yes yes yes, we had a momentary lapse of judgment. Please save Jace''s life! He''s my only son!"


    Joceline did not dare to act domineering anymore and knelt on the ground, hugging Augustus''s legs and begging bitterly.


    Derrick also knelt on the ground and offered the bank card with both hands in fear and trepidation.


    "Mr. Cross, this¡­ This is your 50 million reward. No, I''ll give you another 50 million for a total of 100 million. Please save Jace one more time!"


    Augustus snorted coldly. "You want me to save him one moment and then suddenly turn hostile the next moment. Do you think that you can do whatever you want as long as you have money?"


    "No no no, that''s not what we meant!"


    "Yes yes yes, that''s definitely not what we meant!"


    Derrick and Joceline were terrified.


    Jace''s eyes lit up and he hurriedly crawled over to his grandfather Howard.


    "Grandpa, hurry up and beg Augustus to help me. Tell him to save me!"


    Howard''s eyes turned red with anger and he slapped Jace ruthlessly.


    "You b*stard. Even if you''re not ashamed, I am!"


    Howard really wanted nothing more than to cut off his blood ties with this family.


    However, Jace was still his grandson as well as the Zander family''s only heir. No matter how angry Howard was, he was helpless.


    Think.


    Howard knelt with a heavy heart in front of Augustus.


    "Mr. Cross¡­"


    However, Howard could not bring himself to say the words.


    Augustus naturally knew Howard''s situation. "Stand up, Elder Zander. I understand."


    Twenty minutes later, Augustus left the villa.


    In the end, he still saved Jace''s life, but Jace would never be able to stand again in his life. This was the retribution Jace deserved.


    After this lesson, Jace and his family should probably understand how to behave.


    Looking at the bank card that had 100 million in his hand, Augustus''s mood was slightly conflicted.


    Back then, he dropped out of school because he could not afford to pay a few thousand in tuition fees, and he joined the Harrington family because he could not pay his mother''s medical bills of more than a hundred thousand.


    Now, he suddenly had a huge amount of money in his hands!


    Like many others, overnight riches were also Augustus''s dream.


    Augustus thought that he would be so excited that he would go crazy when he became rich, but now that he obtained so much money, he did not feel anything much.


    The only thing that made his heart ripple was that he looked forward to what kind of reaction his wife would have when she found out that he had so much money all of a sudden.


    When Augustus returned home, it was already dark.


    As soon as he entered the house, he heard a smash as a glass shattered into pieces directly at his feet.


    "You piece of trash, why did you come back?! You still have the nerve to come back after causing our family so much trouble?"


    Liane''s heart had been holding back her anger for the entire day, but when she saw Augustus, she finally exploded.


    His father-in-law, Owen Harrington, who usually did not talk much, also had a clear look of resentment on his face.


    "Augustus, putting aside the fact that you''re usually useless, there was a good opportunity for your family to straighten up in front of the other relatives today, but look at what you did? I''m so disappointed in you!"


    "Dad, it''s not what you think it is. I had a reason for¡­"


    "Enough. What''s there to talk about with that ingrate? Aren''t you very capable? If you''re so capable, don''t live in our house anymore. Get out of here! Scram!"


    Liane lifted the broom and was about to drive Augustus out.


    At that moment, Jeanne heard the noise and came out from the bedroom.


    "Mom, what are you doing?"


    "If it weren''t for him, our family wouldn''t be bullied like this. Not only was our dividend cut off, your position as director was also removed! What''s the point of keeping a piece of trash that only adds to the mess?!"


    Augustus froze and looked at Jeanne incredulously. "Your position as director was removed? Why?"


    "Why? It''s all because of your good deeds! If you''d obediently gone to save Doctor Zander''s grandson, how would the Old Madam be angry with Jeanne? What kind of man are you to even cause your own wife to suffer?!"


    Liane was furious, but Augustus felt guilty.


    He never expected that his decision would cause so much trouble for Jeanne.


    "Jeanne, I''m sorry, I didn''t expect things to turn out like this."


    "Enough, stop talking."


    "Jeanne, don''t worry. About the dividend and your position as director, I''ll definitely find a way¡­"


    "I told you to stop talking!"


    Smack!


    The sound of a crisp slap landed directly on Augustus''s face.


    He froze in place.


    He had been together with Jeanne for six years. Although she had always been lukewarm towards him, this was the first time she hit him!

 Chapter 17 - I鈥檒l Take It

    Jeanne''s sudden action startled even Liane and Owen, who froze on the spot.


    "What are you doing standing there? Hurry up and go to bed!"


    Jeanne looked at Augustus with resentment in her gaze.


    Instead of anger, Augustus felt more guilt towards Jeanne. He turned around and went into the room.


    "Jeanne, I¡­"


    Augustus opened his mouth to explain.


    Smack!


    A crisp sound was heard as Jeanne slapped her own face mercilessly.


    "Jeanne, what are you doing?"


    Jeanne''s face was cold. "Mom and Dad were furious. If I didn''t do that, it would be hard to defuse their anger. We''re even now."


    Augustus was stunned. At that moment, he finally understood Jeanne''s good intentions.


    "Jeanne, thank you."


    However, Jeanne quickly raised her hand and said, "Don''t misunderstand. I''m doing all this for Skylar."


    "I understand."


    All these years, Jeanne had always been the same Jeanne.


    "Jeanne, what happened today was my fault for not taking your feelings into consideration, but don''t worry. Since I caused the trouble, I''ll definitely find a way to solve it."


    Jeanne smiled bitterly. "You''ll solve it? If you leave the Harrington family, you won''t even be able to cook a meal. How are you going to solve this? Well, don''t worry about this matter anymore. Grandma is angry now, but maybe she''ll change her mind in a couple of days."


    Augustus knew that Jeanne obviously did not hold any hope for him.


    He then suddenly thought of something and quickly took out a bank card from his pocket.


    "Jeanne, since our family''s dividends were cut off, you can use the money in this card first. The pin number is your birthday."


    Augustus said and handed the bank card over.


    This bank card was a new one that Augustus had issued, but he did not deposit the entire 100 million in it. After all, it would be hard to explain where the 100 million came from.


    Jeanne looked at the card in Augustus''s hand and felt like she had heard the most ridiculous joke in the world. She laughed so hard that she could not stand up straight.


    "Augustus, you don''t have to joke with me. I''m not desperate enough to the point of needing your help!"


    "That''s not what I meant. This matter is my fault, so I just want to make up for it."


    Augustus knew that with Jeanne''s temper, she would never accept his money, so he put the card straight into Jeanne''s purse.


    "Forget it. Do whatever you want."


    Jeanne knew very well that there was not much money in the card, so she did not bother to waste her breath on Augustus. She went straight to bed.


    Augustus took out his own foldable bed and spread it out in the corner of the bedroom.


    Yes, all these years, this was how Jeanne and he had lived, except for the time when they got drunk...


    As the night grew darker, Augustus''s gaze glanced at the direction of the king-sized bed.


    Under the dim light, Jeanne''s posture lying on her side was curvy like rolling mountains, outlining a stunning scenery that had people''s eyes lingering.


    Augustus was also a normal man, so it was impossible for him not to be moved by such a beautiful woman every night. However, what he wanted was not simply a moment of pleasure.


    Over the years, Augustus realized that he developed feelings for this woman who was cold on the outside but kind on the inside. Furthermore, they already had Skylar.


    Augustus believed that one day, he would see the silver lining to his cloud!


    Early morning the next day, Augustus took Skylar to preschool on an electric bike.


    "Jeanne, have you thought over what I told you about yesterday? When are you going to divorce that loser?"


    It was not the first time Liane mentioned a divorce to Jeanne.


    "Mom, I''ve told you many times already that since we have Skylar, I won''t divorce him!"


    "No! It was fine if it was before, but he ruined our family. You have to divorce him! If you don''t divorce him, then don''t call me Mom anymore!"


    Liane was uncompromising in usual times, and was even more forceful now.


    Jeanne felt a headache. Just when she did not know what to do, her phone rang.


    This call was like a life-saver.


    "Mom, it''s from the company. Let''s stop talking here."


    Then, she rushed out of the house.


    "Hello, Miss Harrington, this is the Chanel outlet in Halmont. The latest bag of the season you were waiting for has arrived. However, we have limited stock, so if you want it, you should come as soon as possible.


    Jeanne was pleasantly surprised to hear this news.


    Like other women, Jeanne had always had a high pursuit for things like bags.


    This new bag which she saw in a magazine before had been on her radar for a long time.


    Now that it finally arrived at Halmont, she naturally would not let it go.


    After hanging up, Jeanne drove directly to the mall.


    When she saw the bag of her dreams at the window, she became incredibly excited.


    This bag was simply made for her. It ticked all her aesthetics!


    Without any hesitation, she said to the sales clerk, "Hello, I''ll take this bag. Please get it for me."


    "Certainly, Ma''am!"


    Jeanne was just about to pick it up when the bag in front of her was snatched away by another person.


    A middle-aged woman with a bloated physique and luxurious clothes looked at the bag in her hand and said proudly, "This is a nice bag. I''ll take it!"

 Chapter 18 - Try It

    Jeanne''s brows furrowed immediately. "Excuse me, I saw this bag first!"


    "So what if you saw it first? You haven''t paid for it yet. Since you haven''t paid, it still belongs to the store. It belongs to whoever grabs it first! Don''t you know the rules?"


    The woman in front of her was not only younger but also much more beautiful than her. This made the rich woman very unhappy, so she naturally spoke in a rude manner.


    Jeanne was furious. Not only did this fat woman steal her right before her eyes, she even dared to say that she did not know the rules. That was simply outrageous.


    The rich woman no longer bothered Jeanne and urged the store clerk. "What are you standing there for? Hurry up and pack this up for me!"


    "That''s¡­ I''m sorry, Ma''am, but this lady saw the bag first. I''m really sorry¡­"


    This luxury mall was not small and the people who came here to splurge were all rich and noble. The salesgirl did not dare to favor one customer over another and could only act impartially.


    The rich woman suddenly widened her eyes and shrieked, "Are you new here? Do you know who I am? How dare you talk to me like that? Besides, just look at her. She looks like an ordinary white-collar worker. The cost of all the clothes she''s currently wearing combined is still cheaper than the cost of this bag! Do you think she can afford it?"


    Jeanne was furious. Although her usual clothes were not the most expensive, they were still high-end women''s clothing. How dare this fat woman look down on her?


    "Who said I can''t afford it? Give me the invoice. I''ll pay for it now!"


    Jeanne was usually not a person who liked to compete with others, but this fat woman had completely ignited her desire to win!


    Today, she absolutely could not lose!


    The sales clerk did not tarry and printed an invoice immediately.


    "Hello, Miss. The total is 189,800 yuan!"


    Jeanne''s heart jumped. She had thought that this bag would be 70,000 to 80,000 at most. She did not expect it to be so expensive.


    Although Jeanne earned millions a year, a bag of nearly two hundred thousand was by no means a small amount for her!


    "Hahaha, how about it? Expensive, isn''t it? That''s right. It''s because bags like these aren''t for white-collar workers like you. I suggest you give it to me now!"


    The rich woman mocked Jeanne.


    Jeanne''s face was ice cold, refusing to bow. Not only did she like this bag very much, in order to vent this resentment, she must absolutely buy this bag today!


    "I''ll use my card!"


    Jeanne handed her card over directly.


    However, what happened next completely surprised Jeanne.


    "I''m sorry, Miss, but the balance in your card seems to be insufficient¡­"


    Jeanne''s expression changed. "How could that be?"


    Jeanne remembered clearly that there were at least 500,000 in her card. It was impossible that the balance was insufficient.


    "Hahaha, what did I say? She''s just pretending!"


    The rich woman was very happy when Jeanne made a fool of herself.


    Jeanne was furious and took out her three other cards, but all of them had the same result. None of them could pay for the bag!


    At that moment, Jeanne finally realized that things were not as simple as she thought. The reason why she could not pay was not because the balance in her card was insufficient, but because her cards were frozen!


    Jeanne''s card was bound to Harrington Corporation, and the only one who could freeze her balance was the Harrington family!


    Jeanne never expected that her grandmother would go so far!


    At that point, the rich woman laughed from ear to ear when she saw all of Jeanne''s cards failed to pay.


    "Hahaha, my sides hurt from laughing. I think you can''t even get 10,000 out of your card. How dare you fight with me over the bag? You''re really out of your league!


    "Enough, stop wasting time here. Since you can''t afford it, this bag is mine!"


    The rich woman said and twisted her fat waist over, coming to pay.


    Jeanne''s heart was like dead ashes.


    Not only had she been robbed of her beloved bag, but she was also even humiliated today. How frustrating!


    Jeanne had always been a woman eager to get ahead in life. She was not willing to admit defeat!


    However, she tried all her cards. What else could she do?


    At that moment, a lightbulb suddenly flashed in her mind.


    No, she did not try all her cards yet. She still had one more card left.


    Yes, it was the bank card that Augustus gave her yesterday!


    However, Jeanne could not help but smile bitterly.


    She must have gone crazy from her desire to win to actually pin her hopes on that guy!


    "Miss, do you want to try this card?"


    The female clerk looked at the last card in Jeanne''s hand and asked.


    "Yes, why don''t you try it? How else would people know how poor you are? Hahaha¡­"


    The rich woman guffawed.


    Jeanne originally gave up, but the rich woman''s words made her change her mind.


    There was no other reason. She just wanted to make herself completely give up on that man!


    "Try it!"


    Jeanne entered the pin number as her breathing became rapid.


    She was even prepared for the taunts of that hateful woman.


    However, in the next moment.


    "Thank you, Miss. The payment was successful!"

 Chapter 19 - You Again?

    "What¡­"


    Jeanne almost thought her ears were playing tricks on her.


    It succeeded!


    The payment of more than 180,000 was unexpectedly successful!


    From the side, the smile on the rich woman''s face stiffened as she looked in disbelief.


    "How could that be? How could she have so much money?!"


    "Hmph, a word of advice. Don''t be such a snob to others in the future!"


    Jeanne grabbed her beloved bag and left on her high heels in style, leaving the rich woman fuming.


    Only when she left the mall did she relax and finally let out a long sigh of relief.


    She almost became a laughing stock, but the one who saved her was Augustus!


    Jeanne immediately went to check the balance on the car, and the amount shown was more than 1.8 million!


    In other words, before buying the bag, the card had a total of two million!


    Jeanne was completely stunned.


    Two million!


    That man stayed at home all day and never did anything. Where did he get so much money?


    Jeanne felt that she had to have a good talk with Augustus!


    At the same time, Augustus brought Skylar to the preschool on his electric bike.


    Just then, a voice was heard.


    "Skylar, why did you come to school on an electric bike again? Doesn''t your family even have a car?"


    On the side of the road, a young boy with curly hair dressed fashionably peeked out from a Toyota.


    This little boy''s name was Grayson Locke. He was Skylar''s classmate.


    Although Augustus would not bicker with a child, he did feel bad in his heart.


    After all, Skylar''s preschool was nothing short of esteemed, and the children who attended had very good family backgrounds. There were not many who sent their child to school on an electric bike like him.


    Skylar''s expression was very stubborn. "I like electric bikes. As long as Daddy can take me to school, I like any ride!"


    "Liar. It''s so cold on an electric bike. It''s super hot in the summer and you''ll get completely drenched when it rains. Who would like it?"


    "I like it. Whatcha gonna do about it?"


    Skylar sounded immature, but it made Augustus''s heart flush with a warm current.


    No matter when, his daughter never disdained him and even stood up for him. The child''s kindness touched Augustus so much that he wanted to cry.


    At that moment, in the driver''s seat of the Toyota, Grayson''s father''s face became unpleasant.


    "Grayson, if she likes to sit on an electric bike, then mind your own business! Besides, do you think everyone can afford a car like us?"


    The man spoke while not forgetting to glance at Augustus with unspeakable superiority on his face.


    Augustus was unimpressed. He could tell that Grayson''s father was directing those words at him.


    It was originally a mindless chatter between two children, but the other party became angry and even mocked him. That was a little overboard.


    What was worse had yet to come.


    After saying his piece, the Toyota floored the accelerator. The engine let out a roar and left them in the dust.


    It was to deliberately show off and was even a little ill-intentioned.


    Since the pavement at the entrance of the preschool was still under construction, there was loess everywhere.


    The sudden acceleration of the Toyota immediately raised a cloud of dust, so Augustus and Skylar naturally suffered.


    Augustus ate a mouthful of soil, and Skylar could not open her eyes.


    No matter how good Augustus''s temper was, some anger welled up in his heart.


    "Skylar, how are you? Are your eyes okay?"


    Augustus stopped the bike and blew Skylar''s eyes.


    Skylar wiped the tears flowing out of her eyes and quickly nodded.


    "I''m fine, Daddy."


    Seeing how his daughter''s clean and combed hair was now covered in dust, Augustus''s heart felt very upset.


    He was too incompetent and caused his daughter to suffer along with him.


    "Skylar, do you actually want to go to school by car too?"


    Skylar shook her head quickly. "No, as long as Daddy sends me to school, I like riding in anything. I wouldn''t mind walking either!"


    "Then, if Daddy drove you in a car, would you like it too?"


    "Of course. If Daddy is with me and we can ride in a car, then I''ll like it even more!"


    However, after she spoke, her little face flooded with a troubled expression. "But Mommy has to drive our family car to work, so it''s better for us to take the electric bike."


    Although she was only four, she was surprisingly sensible.


    Augustus stroked Skylar''s head with a faint smile. "Don''t worry, Daddy will buy another car."


    "Really?"


    "Of course. When has Daddy ever lied to you? When I come to pick you up in the afternoon, I''ll drive the new car over, okay?"


    "Oh, yay! I can go to school in a car too!"


    Skylar jumped in joy.


    Obviously, Skylar knew that it was more comfortable riding in a car, but she only said so because she did not want to make things difficult for Augustus.


    Seeing Skylar being so sensible, Augustus''s heart was touched again.


    After leaving the preschool, Augustus went straight to the Mercedes-Benz dealership.


    Augustus did not know much about cars, so he just chose a brand he heard of before.


    As soon as he entered the door, a saleswoman greeted him.


    The saleswoman was very young and had just joined not long after graduating from college.


    "Hello, Sir. Are you here to look at our cars?"


    "Oh, yes."


    "Well, please come with me over here and let me introduce some to you."


    The saleswoman was very polite. Augustus followed her and went straight to the showroom in the hall.


    Just then, a voice came around.


    "You again?"


    Augustus was also stunned when he saw the person whose voice belonged to.


    It was no other than Grayson Locke''s father!

 Chapter 20 - That鈥檚 Cheap

    Augustus did not expect to see him here either.


    However, upon seeing what he was wearing, Augustus understood. It seemed like he worked in this car dealership.


    Although the man''s behavior earlier made Augustus a little unhappy, he was still a parent of Skylar''s classmate and they would cross paths regularly, so Augustus decided to let bygones be bygones and greeted him.


    However, before Augustus could speak, he heard the man snort coldly and say disdainfully, "What? You''re unhappy because I made you eat dirt so you came all the way here to cause trouble for me?"


    Augustus frowned. The meaning in his words was very obvious. He had been completely intentional when he made Augustus and his daughter eat dirt.


    "You think too much. I''m not as senseless as you. I came here to buy a car!"


    "Buy a car? You?"


    Wade Locke snickered. "Bro, if you''re going to lie, then at least make up a decent one. Do you know how much the cars here cost? The cheapest one costs nearly 300,000! Do you think you can afford it?"


    Then, he said to the saleswoman. "Come on, Tina. Why do you lead everyone to our store? Didn''t you see how he came here? Do you think a person riding an electric bike can afford a luxury car like ours?"


    "That''s right. It''s clear from what he''s wearing that he doesn''t have much money. Didn''t you see us ignore him when he entered?"


    "You''re still inexperienced, Tina. There are dozens of people who come to look without buying anything every day. If you serve each and every one of them, you''ll die of exhaustion!"


    "You''d better learn how to judge people instead of wasting your time!"


    "Ah? That''s¡­"


    In the face of Wade and her seniors'' educating her in sales, Tina did not know what to say at that moment.


    Augustus snorted coldly. He gained firsthand experience of how snobbish these people could be.


    "Who told you that people who ride electric bikes can''t afford a Mercedes?"


    Wade raised his eyebrows with a disdainful expression. "I did. You have a problem with that?"


    Augustus scoffed. "Then open up your eyes wide today and see clearly if I can afford it or not!"


    Then, he turned to Tina. "Miss, tell me, which one is the most expensive car in your store?"


    "Oh, It''s this latest Mercedes S-Class AMG, sir. It''s priced at three million!"


    Wade sneered. "How is it, bro? Now do you know why you shouldn''t brag? I told you, all the cars here are so high-end that you can''t afford them. You''d better continue riding that dinky electric bike to pick up your child at school. It just so happens that your kid is also happy riding that. Hahahaha¡­"


    Augustus ignored Wade and looked at the car in front of him. It was calm and reserved, very much in line with his aesthetic.


    "Not bad. I''ll take it!"


    As soon as this statement was made, Wade and the others froze on the spot. Even Tina was a bit incredulous.


    "Sir, a-are you serious?"


    "He must be joking. It''s such an expensive car. How can he afford it?"


    Wade scoffed.


    "Expensive? Isn''t it only three million? That''s cheap."


    Then, he took out his card and handed it over. "Please make it quick. I need to use it later."


    "Of course, Sir. Please wait a moment. I''ll arrange it for you right away!"


    Tina took the card with a terrified face and went to pay for the car immediately.


    Wade and the others looked at each other. How could someone who used an electric bike say a Mercedes worth three million was cheap? Did he lose his marbles?


    It would be stranger if his card really had three million in it!


    A few moments later, Tina returned with an excited face and handed all the paperwork to Augustus.


    "Hello, Sir. All the formalities have been successfully completed. The key will be sent to you right away!"


    The entire sales department was instantly stunned at those words.


    Three million. He really paid in one go!


    That was too exaggerated!


    After all, this latest S-Class AMG had been in their store for more than a month, but not a single unit was sold because it was too expensive. However, it was suddenly bought by this inconspicuous man. That was simply too shocking!


    The most important thing was that if this car was sold, the commission alone was worth several tens of thousands!


    Such a good opportunity just slipped away from under their noses. At that moment, the other salesmen kicked themselves with regret.


    The one who was hit the hardest was naturally Wade.


    Even in his dreams, he would never expect that a person who rode an electric bike could actually afford Mercedes worth three million!


    In an instant, all his superiority was trampled to pieces by Augustus.


    "How could that be? That''s impossible!"


    Wade roared as if he was crazy.


    "Wade, what are you screaming about? Don''t you see that you''re in the presence of a valuable guest?!"


    A man in a suit and glasses walked over with an unhappy face.


    "Manager Zimmer!" Wade quickly shut his mouth in fear.


    Manager Zimmer glared at Wade before turning to Augustus with a smile.


    "Hello, Mr. Cross. Here are your car keys. It''s an honor to have you purchase a car in our store!"


    Manager Zimmer would not usually appear before normal customers. It was only for valuable customers like Augustus who could spend three million on a car in one go that Manager Zimmer would personally serve them.


    "Mr. Cross, you''re now a VIP customer in our store. If you have any needs or opinions in the future, please feel free to let us know!"


    "I do have an opinion. Some of your staff here have a habit of acting snobbish. That should be changed."


    Augustus looked at Wade meaningfully. Wade was so frightened that his body trembled and he almost fell to the ground.


    Manager Zimmer was not a fool and understood everything clearly.


    "Wade Locke, how dare you, a mere salesman, be disrespectful to an important customer like Mr. Cross?! I''m officially informing you that you''re fired!"


    Wade was struck by lightning. It had not been easy for him to get this job. If he lost it, next month''s mortgage and car loan would crush him alive.


    "No, Manager Zimmer. I was wrong! Mr. Cross, I know I was wrong. Please give me another chance!"


    Augustus smiled wryly, "No need to fire him. Our children go to the same school anyway, so our paths will cross often."


    Augustus''s words were like an invisible slap on Wade''s face.


    "T-Thank you, Mr. Cross!"


    Wade wanted nothing more than to find a hole and bury himself in it.

 Chapter 21 - You Kept Us Waiting

    Come afternoon, it rained in Halmont city. Augustus was waiting in front of the preschool gate with an umbrella.


    "Daddy!"


    Skylar spotted Augustus in the crowd from one glance and ran over with an adorable smile.


    Augustus picked her up. "Skylar, did you have fun in school today?"


    "Yep! I had lots of fun!"


    At that moment, Grayson, who had come out of school with Skylar, snorted. "What''s so fun about it? Don''t you see that it''s raining? Your dad brings you around on an electric bike. You''ll definitely end up a drowned rat!"


    Skylar pouted very unhappily and said, "I don''t mind being a drowned rat! It''s none of your business!"


    Augustus smiled. "Don''t worry, with Daddy around, Daddy won''t let you become a drowned rat!"


    Then, he conjured a car key from his hand.


    "Wow, it''s a Mercedes!"


    Skylar''s eyes sparkled with excitement.


    The corners of Augustus''s mouth twitched. It seemed like children these days knew quite a lot of stuff. They could even distinguish car brands so easily.


    "Okay, let''s see which is ours."


    Augustus passed the key to Skylar.


    Skylar quickly pressed the unlock button.


    "Beep beep!"


    Parked by the roadside, the headlights of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG lit up!


    "Wow, amazing! I can finally come to school in a car! Daddy, you''re so amazing!"


    Skylar was so happy that she hugged Augustus''s face and gave him a big kiss.


    Augustus smiled from ear to ear.


    Standing by the side, Grayson''s little face was at a loss.


    The car in front of him was big and new, obviously much better than his family''s car.


    He immediately became unhappy!


    "Daddy, I wanna ride in this kind of car too! Hurry up and change our family''s car!"


    Wade just arrived when Grayson pointed at Augustus''s car and made a fuss.


    Wade was embarrassed. "Our car is good enough. Why should we change it?"


    "No, I wanna change it! Didn''t you say our family is richer than Skylar''s? Why do we have to drive this stupid car when Skylar''s family is driving a Mercedes? Besides, don''t you sell Mercedes? Why can''t we buy one? I want one! I want one!"


    "Buy your foot! I''ll smack you if you continue to make a fuss!"


    Wade snapped angrily and looked at Augustus with eyes full of fear.


    "I''m sorry, Mr. Cross¡­"


    "It''s fine. Children are like that."


    Then, he carried Skylar and got into the car.


    From a distance, they heard the sound of Grayson crying.


    Wade was also quite unlucky today. Because of the rain, someone collided their car with his, and poor Grayson had to walk home with Wade in the rain.


    Augustus naturally would not stick his nose into another person''s business. On the way back, Skylar was in a constant state of excitement, fiddling with the seat and telling Augustus to play the music. It was clear how elated she was.


    Seeing the joy on her face, the corners of Augustus''s mouth raised in a smile.


    As long as his daughter was happy, he felt like anything was worth doing!


    Ten minutes later, in Felix District.


    After Jeanne parked her car, she was about to go upstairs when she got home.


    At that moment, a voice called out to her.


    "Jeanne, you really kept us waiting!"


    Jeanne turned around and saw two figures, one of which was her cousin, Carter Harrington.


    Standing beside Carter was a beautiful lady.


    She wore a tight red dress, displaying her enchanting figure to the fullest. Her long and snowy-white legs were even more eye-catching, peeking through the slit of her skirt..


    This hot body could only be described with one word: alluring.


    This woman was the daughter of Jeanne''s third uncle, and also Jeanne''s cousin. Her name was Iris Harrington.


    Iris was very beautiful and was definitely considered a stunning woman. However, she could not be compared to Jeanne.


    Because of this, Iris had always regarded Jeanne as her enemy, feeling like Jeanne stole her limelight.


    Seeing Carter and Iris appearing together, Jeanne could not help but frown.


    Although these two people were her cousins, they both saw her as a thorn in their flesh. Nothing good would come out of them appearing at the same time.


    "Do you need something?"


    Iris smiled. "Of course. I''m here today to get the official seal of the sales department from you!"


    "The official seal?"


    Carter sneered and said, "Grandma has ordered Iris to take your place as the director of the sales department in Harrington Corp!"


    "What¡­"


    Jeanne froze.


    Iris did not even work hard in school and only studied until junior college. With that kind of diploma, she was not even qualified to be a sales manager in Harrington Corporation, but now she was going to take Jeanne''s place!


    "Hahaha, I bet you didn''t expect this, Jeanne. So what if you worked hard when you were in school? You''ll still have to answer to me now!"


    Now that Iris finally had a chance to trample Jeanne under her feet, she naturally would not let go of the opportunity to kick her while she was down.


    "Your dividends were cut and your bank cards were frozen. Is it hard living life with no money?"


    "It was you?"


    "Yep, it was me who suggested to Grandma to freeze your bank cards. You and that useless husband of yours almost made Harrington Corp lose their foothold in Halmont City. This is considered a light punishment!"


    Iris''s face was filled with the pleasure of getting revenge.


    "Jeanne, we''re still cousins after all. You must be very poor now that your dividends have been cut and you''re demoted. If you really don''t have any money, you have to tell us! Don''t try to be courteous!"


    "That''s right, we can still afford to lend you one or two thousand! Hahaha¡­"


    Carter and Iris were extremely pleased with themselves.


    At that moment.


    "Beep beep beep!"


    A piercing horn rang aloud as the latest model of the Mercedes S-Class AMG slowly approached.. The brightness blinded Carter and Iris as the headlights shone on them.

 Chapter 22 - Jeanne鈥檚 Interrogation

    "F*ck, who is it?"


    Carter and Iris complained.


    Then, the lights turned off. When Carter and Iris saw the car in front of them, their eyes could not help but brighten.


    They were after all people with good taste, so they more or less knew about cars.


    Especially Iris. Although she only drove an Audi A4 of at least 300,000, it was mandatory for her to be able to identify the price of a commodity.


    "It''s the new Mercedes S-Class AMG, priced at three million!"


    Iris''s eyebrows raised at the luxury car worth three million in front of her. Her pretty face was flushed charmingly.


    She was always very enthusiastic towards successful people who could afford to drive luxury cars like this.


    Just when Iris was about to go up and get acquainted with the other party with a smile on her face, the door of the Mercedes-Benz opened and a figure came down.


    When they saw the person''s face, everyone present including Jeanne was stunned.


    "You?!"


    Iris looked at Augustus with an incredulous expression.


    "What about me?"


    "You¡­ Where did this car come from? I know. You must be driving someone else''s car, right?"


    "Oh, you''re talking about the car? Skylar said she doesn''t want to ride an electric bike anymore, so I just bought a four-wheel drive. Why? Is there a problem?"


    Iris almost vomited blood.


    He just bought a random car to drive?


    This was a luxury car worth three million! Did he think he was buying a toy car?!


    Jeanne also walked towards Augustus. She held Augustus''s arm and looked at Iris.


    "As you can see, I''m doing quite well now. I don''t seem to need financial help from you rich people!"


    Iris noticed the sarcasm in Jeanne''s words.


    They could afford to drive a luxury car worth three million, which was worth more than ten of her own. Of course they did not need her financial help.


    The thing Iris hated seeing the most in this world was other people better than her, especially when it was Jeanne. Now that Jeanne had left her far behind with just one car, Iris was humiliated and angry that she wanted to go up and slap the woman.


    At that moment, Augustus was a little confused. This was the first time Jeanne took the initiative to take his arm!


    Although he knew that Jeanne only did it to deliberately anger Iris, this intimate action still made him feel very happy.


    Especially since Jeanne''s body accidentally leaned too close to him. Augustus could clearly feel the fullness of her body, making his heart fill with a flurry of thoughts.


    "Jeanne, I really underestimated you!"


    Carter put on a fake smile. "It seems you''ve treated yourself to a lot of favors these years in Harrington Corp."


    Iris came to a realization and reacted as well. "That''s right, you must have embezzled the company''s money. Otherwise, how could you afford a luxury car worth three million with your income?"


    Jeanne immediately retorted, "Don''t be ridiculous. I''ve worked for the company for so many years. I''ve never taken a penny more than I was given!"


    "Oh, really? Then tell us how you could afford such an expensive car. Your dividends were cut off now too."


    "I¡­"


    Jeanne was momentarily speechless.


    This car was driven over by Augustus. How would she know?


    Seeing Jeanne shrink, Carter looked smug. "What? Can''t think of an excuse? How dare you say you didn''t embezzle the company''s money!"


    "Good job, Jeanne. Grandma trusted you so much, but I didn''t expect that you''d do such a thing. Just you wait. I''ll go back and tell Grandma about what you did!"


    Iris took the opportunity to hit her while she was down.


    Jeanne''s face flushed red with anger. Just as she was about to defend herself, Augustus spoke up next to her, "I was the one who bought the car. It has nothing to do with Jeanne. She didn''t take a single penny from the company."


    As soon as those words were spoken, Iris and Carter burst into laughter.


    "Augustus, if you''re going to lie, at least try to make it convincing. You''re just a man who lives in his wife''s house. Where did you get the money?"


    "That''s right. Everyone in Halmont knows that you''re living off a woman, yet you still dare to say that you can afford a luxury car worth three million? Are you still dreaming?"


    Iris and Carter naturally did not believe Augustus. Even Jeanne did not believe him.


    "It''s up to you whether or not you want to believe me. Jeanne, stop wasting time on them. Let''s go home!"


    "I''ll give you the official seal when I arrive at the company tomorrow. As for whether you want to complain to Grandmother or not, do as you please!"


    Then, Jeanne picked up Skylar while still holding onto Augustus''s arm and went upstairs.


    "This family is getting more and more arrogant!"


    Iris looked at the three figures and gnashed her teeth in hatred. Then, she looked at the three million Mercedes-Benz beside her and went green with jealousy.


    Carter scoffed. "Come on, it''s just a car. If Jeanne can afford it, you''ll be able to afford it sooner or later too. Don''t forget, you''re the sales director now and Jeanne''s immediate superior. Do you think you won''t have the chance to deal with her?"


    "You''re right. I forgot about that!"


    Iris''s mouth curled in a cold smile. "Jeanne, how dare you challenge me. I''ll make you pay for it!"


    At that point, Augustus and the others had returned home.


    The moment they entered the door, Jeanne called Augustus to the bedroom.


    "Tell me. Where did you get a three million Mercedes-Benz and the money inside?"


    Smack.. The bank card was placed right in front of Augustus.

 Chapter 23 - I鈥檒l Come Clean

    Looking at the bank card in front of him, Augustus smiled wryly.


    Sure enough, this was bound to happen sooner or later!


    "Actually, it''s because I cured Doctor Zander''s grandson''s illness. The money is the payment from him."


    Jeanne was his wife, so he did not intend to hide anything from her.


    Unfortunately, Jeanne did not buy Augustus''s explanation.


    "But didn''t you already reject Doctor Zander yesterday? Even if you really did go, how could you have cured a disease that Doctor Zander couldn''t?"


    "Of course I could cure it. It was just a malignant melanoma. It''s not a difficult task for the new me!"


    Jeanne was speechless for a while after hearing Augustus''s explanation.


    "Melanoma is a terminal disease. No one in the world can cure it, but you''re saying that you cured it easily? Augustus Cross, do you think I''m stupid? Hurry up and tell me the truth!"


    Jeanne''s eyes narrowed, clearly angry.


    Augustus was exasperated. He was telling the truth, but Jeanne did not believe him.


    "Fine, I''ll come clean. This money was from my investment."


    "Investment?"


    "That''s right. I''ve been saving the allowance you gave me in the past few years and invested all that money in Bitcoins! The value of Bitcoins has multiplied many times over the past few years, and only yesterday did I sell all of them at a high price and exchange them for cash."


    When Augustus finished explaining, he looked at Jeanne apprehensively.


    After all, that reason was complete bullsh*t. He was just afraid that she would not...


    "Then you should''ve just said that in the first place! You even dared to lie to me! You''ve grown guts, haven''t you?"


    Augustus. "..."


    "Sorry, I was wrong. I won''t do it again!"


    Augustus took the initiative to admit his mistake.


    Jeanne snorted coldly and sat down on the large bed.


    With the elasticity of the spring mattress, Jeanne''s ample bosom bounced and Augustus was caught in a daze.


    "Tell me the truth. How much did you sell?"


    "Not much. The total is just over five million."


    Jeanne thought of something. "In other words, apart from the two million you gave me, you used all the remaining money to buy a car?"


    "Uh, yes¡­"


    At that moment, Jeanne was completely speechless.


    Augustus used his business acumen to earn more than five million at once, so Jeanne originally regarded him in a new light, but unexpectedly, he lost all that money in an instant!


    What business acumen? He clearly had the brain of a pig!


    Seeing Jeanne no longer suspicious of him, Augustus let out a long sigh of relief. Fortunately, he managed to fool her. He really did not know how to explain how he got 100 million overnight.


    They spent the night without a word.


    Early next morning, Jeanne drove to the company.


    When she arrived at her office door, she saw a large mountain of items piled up in a mess. It was all her belongings!


    Jeanne pushed the door open and saw someone sitting in her seat.


    Iris Harrington!


    When Iris saw Jeanne, she smiled coldly.


    "You''re just in time. From today onwards, you''re an ordinary employee of our sales department. Your desk is over there!"


    Jeanne looked over and frowned.


    The position Iris arranged for her was just under the air conditioning vent. It was freezing cold even in the summer and sometimes water would leak from it.


    There was no one sitting there, but Iris deliberately arranged a spot for Jeanne there. She was clearly making things difficult for Jeanne!


    "Iris, don''t go too far?"


    "Too far? I don''t think I am."


    Iris looked smug. "Let me make this clear. Now that I''m Sales Director, you sit where I tell you to sit. If you don''t want to, you can resign!"


    "You¡­"


    Jeanne clenched her fists in anger.


    She had never allowed herself to be bullied, but the current situation was an exception. If she resigned, her family would have no way to live.


    Furthermore, Jeanne Harrington was not a woman who easily admitted defeat!


    Only by reclaiming the Sales Director position from Iris''s grip would she be rid of the hatred in her heart!


    Jeanne stopped wasting her breath on Iris and turned around to pick up her belongings at the door.


    However, there were too many things, and they were scattered all over the place.


    "Director Harrington, I''ll help you!"


    The employees came to help.


    However, Iris shouted sternly, "Help? Do you all have nothing better to do? Also, there''s only one Director Harrington in this department, and that''s me, Iris Harrington. Whoever calls someone else that can get out of the company!"


    Hearing those words, the employees were so scared that they did not dare to make a sound.


    Jeanne''s face was icy cold as she silently picked up the things on the ground by herself.


    Seeing Jeanne, who used to lead the sales department ended up in this situation, everyone felt very uncomfortable.


    For the entire morning, Jeanne never took a break. Iris dumped almost all the work from the sales department to Jeanne, making her so busy that she barely had time to breathe.


    Not only that, the cold wind that blew overhead chilled Jeanne''s body and she almost caught a cold.


    Jeanne knew what Iris was thinking. Iris wanted to use these methods to force her to leave the company so she could sit in the position of Sales Director forever.


    However, Jeanne would never let Iris get what she wanted.


    At night, when it was almost time to get off work, Jeanne suddenly received a call from Iris.

 Chapter 24 - I Want To Be A Piece Of Trash Too

    "What? You want me to drink with a customer?"


    Hearing Iris''s request, Jeanne was so angry she wanted to smash her phone.


    "Is there a problem with that? Don''t forget your position. You''re just an ordinary sales employee now. Isn''t it normal for a sales employee to drink with customers?


    "Of course, you don''t have to go if you don''t want to. Just give me a resignation letter now and I''ll let you leave right away. How does that sound?"


    Jeanne gritted her teeth and finally said, "Fine, I''ll go!"


    In the director''s office, Iris hung up the phone with a wicked smile on her face.


    She dialed Carter''s number.


    "She agreed to go."


    Carter laughed sinisterly at the other end of the phone. "Good job. We''ll be able to watch a good show tonight!"


    In Felix District.


    Augustus got a call from Jeanne.


    "Tell Mom that I''ll be accompanying a customer tonight. I won''t be back for dinner."


    "Accompany a customer?"


    Augustus knew Jeanne''s temper. This woman had always been cold and aloof, and hated social parties the most. Why was today an exception?


    He was just about to ask the details but she had already hung up.


    Hearing the end call beep on the phone, a trace of suspicion flashed in Augustus''s eyes.


    In the evening, Jeanne and two colleagues from the sales department went to Hotel Auspice.


    The customer they had to entertain today was Dexter Fox, the chairman of Yorkfire Corporation.


    The dinner went well at the beginning, but one time when Jeanne returned from the restroom, she noticed something strange.


    As soon as she entered the room, she realized that her two colleagues had disappeared, leaving only Dexter alone.


    "Where did Joey and the others go?"


    "Oh, they probably went to the washroom. Nevermind them. Director Harrington, come and sit down!"


    Dexter said and pulled out the chair next to him, gesturing for Jeanne to take a seat.


    Jeanne frowned slightly.


    She knew a little about Dexter. He was a famous bully in Halmont City. He started as a loan shark before and only later started getting involved in the pharmaceutical industry.


    Dexter was also a notorious womanizer. Rumor had it that he had seven or eight female secretaries. He was a typical lecher.


    When they were eating, Jeanne noticed him looking at her with lustful eyes, as if he wanted to devour her.


    Now that there were only the two of them left in the room, Jeanne felt even more insecure.


    Reason told her that the wisest move would be to leave immediately.


    However, when she came, Iris gave her an order. If she did not seal the contract with Yorkfire Corporation, Iris would report to their Grandmother and chase Jeanne out of Harrington Corporation!


    After hesitating for a moment, Jeanne finally sat down.


    Dexter nodded in satisfaction and brazenly swept his gaze over Jeanne''s body.


    Jeanne wore a sapphire blue dress today. The black girdle showed off her slender waist and also emphasized her voluptuous bosom.


    The deadliest part was that under her dress, her slender legs were wrapped in a pair of black stockings, making Dexter''s mouth go dry at the sight.


    In fact, Dexter had long heard of this beautiful director from Harrington Corporation. He had invited her countless times, but she had always rejected him. Unexpectedly, he finally got what he wanted today!


    Feeling the other party''s hot gaze, Jeanne frowned slightly and quickly used her hands to cover her legs.


    "President Fox, have you thought about the contract? When can we sign it?"


    "Don''t worry, Director Harrington. Since you came personally, I''ll certainly sign the contract."


    Jeanne was surprised, "Really?"


    "Of course."


    Dexter grinned and continued, "I''m staying in the hotel upstairs. Just bring the contract and look for me in my room later."


    Jeanne froze. "President Fox, what does that mean?"


    Dexter looked sly. "You''re a smart person, Director Harrington. You should understand what I mean¡­"


    As he spoke, he reached out to touch Jeanne''s leg.


    Jeanne quickly got up in fright. "President Fox, please show some respect. I''m not the kind of person you think I am. Besides, I''m already married!"


    Dexter snickered. "Married? Are you talking about that piece of trash?"


    "You''re not allowed to say that about my husband!"


    "Why? Did I say anything wrong? A man like him who can''t do anything and has to rely on you to feed him. What is he but trash?"


    Now that there were only the two of them left in the room, Dexter showed his true colors and spoke bluntly.


    His gaze roamed around Jeanne''s body greedily and he said, "But that trash really has a good life. Not only is he being kept by you, but he can also sleep with a beauty like you every night. I want to be a piece of trash too! Hahaha¡­"


    Dexter''s words only further disgusted Jeanne. She did not want to stay any longer in the same room as this man who had dirty thoughts for her.


    "Since you don''t want to sign the contract, there''s nothing left to say. Goodbye!"


    Jeanne opened the door and left.


    However, she realized that the door had been locked and could not be opened!


    "Hahaha, do you think you can leave after falling into my hands? Service me well first, and then we''ll talk¡­"


    Dexter pounced on Jeanne with an insidious smile.

 Chapter 25 - Where Was The Supposed GoodforNothing?

    Jeanne paled in fear. She never expected Dexter to be such a rake!


    She dodged backward to avoid Dexter''s bear hug.


    Dexter licked his lips as his smile became even more lecherous. The game of cat-and-mouse only further excited him!


    "Hehe, I''d like to see where you can hide. Be good and become my woman!"


    Then, he pounced at Jeanne again.


    The room was not that large to begin with and Jeanne could not manage two steps before she was caught by Dexter.


    "Come here, let me find out what beauty tastes like!"


    Dexter puckered his lips to kiss her.


    Smack!


    Before he could kiss her, Jeanne slapped him across the face in panic.


    Dexter''s expression suddenly became ferocious.


    "You f*cking b*tch. You ungrateful thing!"


    Dexter slapped Jeanne ruthlessly, causing her to fall to the ground. Five bright red fingerprints appeared on her pretty face.


    "How dare you hit me? I''ll toy with you until you die!"


    Dexter said and pounced right at Jeanne.


    At that moment.


    Bam!


    The door burst open with a bang and two men were thrown to the ground at Dexter''s feet.


    Then, another figure appeared at the door. It was Augustus!


    Earlier when Jeanne said she would be accompanying a client to dinner, Augustus already felt uneasy. After all, she was told to accompany a client right after she was removed from her position as director. It was clear that someone was deliberately giving her a hard time.


    Thus, Augustus went to the company and asked where Jeanne was dining at, and went after her immediately.


    Unexpectedly, he encountered such a scene!


    "Who the f*ck are you? How dare you spoil my fun?"


    Dexter was furious at having his fun interrupted.


    "Augustus, help me!"


    Jeanne was overjoyed when she saw Augustus.


    "Augustus?" Dexter laughed coldly. "So you''re that piece of trash that lives off his woman! You''re just in time! I''ll let you watch as I sleep with your woman!"


    In Dexter''s eyes, Augustus was a spineless good-for-nothing who married into his wife''s family. Even if he saw Dexter lay his hands on Jeanne, he would not dare say a word.


    However, before Dexter could make any more moves, he was kicked away by Augustus.


    Augustus had already flown into a rage upon seeing Jeanne being bullied. His kick even broke Dexter''s ribs!


    "How dare you f*cking hit me! Just you wait. If I don''t teach you a lesson today, my name isn''t Dexter Fox!"


    Then, he quickly dialed a number. "What are you all still doing outside? Get your *sses in here and beat this guy up!"


    Ten seconds later, six burly men in suits stormed into the room.


    These men were Dexter''s bodyguards who had been waiting outside the hotel.


    Jeanne went pale with fright when she saw so many people appeared.


    Initially, she felt lucky that Augustus would be able to save her, but now it seemed that she brought him trouble!


    Dexter was extremely arrogant. "Son of a b*tch. Now do you know how powerful am I? Hurry up and kneel on the ground, and send your woman to my bed obediently, then I might be willing to spare you. Otherwise¡­"


    "Otherwise, why don''t I send you straight into your f*cking coffin? What do you think?"


    Augustus said coldly.


    Dexter was furious. "You motherf*cker. Get him!"


    The six men charged at Augustus at the same time.


    Jeanne covered her eyes in fear and could not bear to watch.


    However, moments later, she saw through the gaps of her fingers that Augustus was still standing there safe and sound, while Dexter''s men were grunting on the ground after being injured.


    Jeanne could not believe her eyes.


    She had always been under the impression that Augustus was weak and incompetent. Her mother Liane often punched and kicked him, but he never dared to fight back.


    However, today, this man only took a few seconds to put six grown men to the ground, greatly shocking Jeanne.


    Was this still the Augustus she knew?


    Dexter was so scared that he froze in his spot.


    Even though he clearly witnessed the whole ordeal, he could not tell for sure how Augustus fought.


    Dexter''s heart was bitter. What happened to the so-called good-for-nothing loser that married into the Harrington family? Why was he so strong?


    Bam!


    Augustus kicked Dexter directly to the ground.


    "Who gave you the guts to take advantage of my wife?"


    Dexter widened his eyes. "Boy, don''t be too f*cking arrogant. Do you know who I am¡­"


    Bam!


    Before he could finish, he was kicked again.


    "F*ck! I''m the chairman of Yorkfire Corporation. If you provoke me¡­"


    Bam!


    Bam bam bam!


    In the blink of an eye, Dexter was kicked a dozen times and spurted a mouthful of blood.


    Augustus was just about to kick him again, but Dexter could no longer endure it and knelt on the ground.


    "Bro, I was wrong. Please have mercy!"

 Chapter 26 - A Friend

    Augustus''s dozens of kicks had already broken many of Dexter''s ribs. If he continued to kick, Dexter felt like his life would be in danger.


    Jeanne was completely stunned.


    Today, Augustus revealed an extremely strong side which Jeanne had never seen in the past six years!


    "Augustus, since he already admitted his mistake, just let him go."


    Dexter was very powerful, so Jeanne did not want to bring unnecessary trouble to Augustus.


    Augustus straightened up, "Since my wife told me to let you go, I''ll spare you for once."


    Dexter was surprised, but his mind was already plotting on his retaliation.


    However, before he could rejoice, Augustus continued, "But you still need to be taught a lesson."


    Then, Augustus picked up a stool and looked at Dexter''s right hand. "You used this hand to hit my wife, didn''t you?"


    Dexter immediately had a bad feeling. "W-What are you going to do?"


    "Nothing much. Learn to eat with your left hand in the future."


    Then, he waved the stool in his hand and smashed it down.


    The wooden stool broke as Dexter''s right hand was smashed to a bloody pulp, revealing white bone


    "Argh! My hand!" Dexter screamed miserably.


    However, Augustus ignored him and picked Jeanne up before leaving the room.


    In the car, Jeanne was still a bit stunned when she thought about what happened. She could not imagine what would have happened to her if Augustus had not come in time!


    "Thank you for earlier..."


    While driving, Augustus smiled and said, "You don''t need to thank me. You''re my wife. It''s my duty to protect you."


    Jeanne thought of reiterating the fact that they were just husband and wife on paper but she could not voice those words out of her mouth.


    For the first time, the man in front of her actually gave her a sense of security that only a qualified partner could give.


    "By the way, how come I''ve never heard about how good you are at fighting?"


    "Well, you never asked."


    Touch¨¦.


    Yes, although they were husband and wife all these years, they did not even interact much. How would she know that he was good at fighting?


    However, his performance today gained a whole new level of respect for him.


    For the first time, she felt like the man who wasted her life did not seem to be as bad as she thought...


    At that moment, Augustus''s phone rang.


    Augustus was driving, and he saw that it was from an unknown number, so he did not answer it. However, the person called again a few moments later.


    "Why don''t I answer it for you? It might be urgent."


    "Sure."


    Jeanne pressed the answer button.


    Before Jeanne could speak, the gentle voice of a girl was heard first.


    "Augustus, you finally answered my call!"


    Jeanne''s expression darkened.


    Over the years, it was her first time hearing the voice of another woman around Augustus.


    "Who is this?"


    Jeanne asked coldly.


    The other party paused. "Oh, I''m Augustus''s friend. Can you please put him on the phone?"


    Friend?


    Was this guy not always alone? Where did this friend come from?


    It was even a female friend.


    A bold thought flashed in Jeanne''s mind, causing a sense of crisis to rise up in her instinctively.


    Jeanne wanted to ask about the relationship between them, but in the end, she held back.


    That was because, on the first day of their marriage, she had made her position clear to Augustus.


    She did not approve of the marriage between them, and she wanted the relationship to just be a facade for them. They would not interfere with each other''s life.


    Over the years, Augustus had always acted in accordance with that agreement, so Jeanne did not want to be the first to go back on her word.


    However, her heart was very unhappy!


    "It''s for you!"


    Jeanne threw the phone at Augustus with a cold expression.


    Augustus was stunned and picked up the phone. "Hi, who is this?"


    "Hello, Mr. Cross. I''m Clara Jones. You saved me the day before yesterday on the road!"


    "Oh, it''s you!" Augustus immediately reacted. "Ms. Jones, how may I help you?"


    "I haven''t had the chance to thank you for saving my life, so I was wondering when you''d be free to meet."


    "That won''t be necessary. It''s good enough that you''re physically fine."


    "Actually, it''s not just to thank you. There are other things that I would like to seek advice from you. Please allow me this opportunity, Mr. Cross."


    "In that case, sure. I have time tomorrow morning."


    "Great. Then, I''ll pick you up at Felix District tomorrow morning!"


    "Okay, see you tomorrow!"


    After hanging up the phone, Augustus felt like the temperature in the car seemed to have plummeted.


    Turning his head, he saw Jeanne''s beautiful face turned as cold as ice.


    Although the words on the other end of the phone were inaudible, Jeanne heard Augustus''s words clearly.


    This guy had the guts to agree in front of her to meet a woman by himself! He was completely disrespecting her!


    "Well, a friend said that she wanted to meet me."


    Augustus explained casually, but Jeanne snorted coldly.


    "It''s none of my business who you meet with!"


    The favorable impression that Jeanne had towards this man because of tonight''s events completely disappeared because of the unfamiliar woman''s call.


    A few minutes later, the Mercedes-Benz entered the driveway.


    Right after the car was parked, Jeanne slammed the door and walked away, leaving a stunned Augustus behind.


    What was wrong with this woman? Her expressions changed as quickly as flipping a page.


    The next day, Augustus received a call from Clara.


    Just as he left the district, he heard brakes screeching and three vans stopped directly in front of him.


    Before he could react, the doors clattered open, and more than twenty burly men with clubs in their hands surrounded him.


    "You''re Augustus Cross, right? How dare you hit Brother Dexter! You must be tired of living!"

 Chapter 27 - The Jones Family Of Halmont

    The one who led these men was a large and brawny man with a buzzcut.


    This big man, known as Brother Max, was Dexter''s right-hand man. He committed many misdeeds while following Dexter!


    Augustus''s face was calm. "Are you Dexter Fox''s men?"


    "That''s right. Brother Dexter sent us to cripple you! How about it? Do you regret making enemies with Brother Dexter now?" Max''s expression was mocking Augustus.


    "Hm, not really."


    Max was livid. "Damn it, you still dare to talk back even when you''re about to die! Get him, boys! Let him know what we''re capable of!"


    Max gave the order, and eight burly men picked up the clubs in their hands and surrounded Augustus.


    At that instant, a Rolls-Royce Phantom charged from the road and blocked their paths.


    The passenger door opened, and a tall figure with high heels stepped down.


    "You b*tch, are you f*cking blind? Watch how you drive!"


    Max cussed immediately.


    The next second, a punch sank in his stomach and he fell to his knees immediately.


    "You''re the blind one. Watch who you''re insulting before opening your mouth!"


    A driver wearing a tunic suit pointed at the Rolls-Royce''s license plate.


    Max looked up and instantly broke out in cold sweat.


    The license plate was very simple. JF001.


    However, everyone in Halmont City knew what a license plate starting with "JF" meant.


    "The Jones family? You''re from the Jones family in Halmont!"


    Max''s face paled in fear.


    Even Augustus''s expression shifted slightly.


    As someone who was born and raised in Halmont, he naturally knew about the Jones family.


    The Jones were considered an illustrious and prestigious family in Halmont City. Their reach extended to the military, the business world, and even in political circles. Their influence was massive.


    Augustus never expected the woman he saved the other day would be a member of Halmont''s Jones family!


    "How dare you speak against our Eldest Miss. Tell me, how do you want to die?"


    The driver in the tunic suit looked at Max with a cold killing intent in his eyes.


    Augustus could see that the man was not simply taunting Max. The murderous intent in his eyes was definitely real.


    In other words, if Max dared to make a peep in defiance, the man would definitely kill him on the spot!


    Unfortunately, Max had already lost the courage to disobey. When he heard the man, he fell to his knees and knelt in front of Clara.


    "M-Ms. Jones. I was blind and offended you. Please spare me this once!"


    Clara''s face was calm. "I''m not the only one you offended. There''s Mr. Cross too!"


    "What? Him?"


    The driver said, "Mr. Cross is Ms. Jones''s benefactor and a valued guest of the Jones family. How dare you cause trouble for him! Are you tired of living?"


    Max was completely dumbfounded.


    He thought that Augustus was just an ordinary son-in-law of the Harrington family. He never thought that Augustus would have connections with a huge tree like the Jones family!


    Even if Max had balls of steel, he would not dare to make an enemy out of the Jones family!


    "Mr. Cross, I was wrong. I swear that I''ll never trouble you again. Please spare me this time!"


    The twenty-odd men behind him followed by example and knelt down.


    "Mr. Cross, please spare us this time!"


    Augustus could not be bothered to talk nonsense with them either. "Go back and tell your Brother Dexter that if he still wants to look for trouble, I''ll welcome him anytime!"


    "We won''t! We won''t anymore!"


    Max was terrified. Just as he was about to leave, he heard Clara shout coldly. "Did I say that you could go?"


    Max and the men''s legs softened in fear as they knelt on the ground again.


    "No one has ever dared to scold me like how you did. Each of you will receive a thousand slaps! Take it as a lesson!"


    "T-Thank you, Ms. Jones!"


    Max and the others did not dare to disobey her. They knelt on the ground and began to slap themselves.


    For a while, all that was heard at the district''s entrance was the sound of slapping.


    Augustus sighed in his heart. Clara''s methods were really aggressive. As expected of the Jones family!


    "Mr. Cross, please get into the car!"


    When it came to Augustus, Clara was springy and warm, acting just like an ordinary girl-next-door.


    Only then did Augustus notice that Clara''s appearance was extremely beautiful.


    She had fair skin and delicate features that were not inferior to Jeanne at all.


    Furthermore, due to her status as someone from an influential family, there was a certain aura from her. She seemed to have a generous and natural air to her. She was truly a young lady from a noble house.


    "Ms. Jones, you said you needed to see me for something? What is it?"


    Augustus got into the car and went straight to the point.


    "The thing is¡­ My grandfather suddenly fell sick two days ago and the situation is a bit tricky now. I was wondering if you could help me cure him."


    In fact, when Augustus saved Clara that day, Clara had been taking Howard to see Old Master Jones.


    That day, after Howard''s treatment, Old Master Jones''s condition did stabilize a little. However, since yesterday, Old Master Jones''s illness relapsed, and Clara thought about asking Augustus to help.


    After hearing Clara''s story, Augustus nodded. "I can try."


    "Really? That''s great!"


    Clara was overjoyed.


    In Clara''s opinion, Augustus, who managed to cure the cold energy accumulated in her body with just three needles, was definitely worthy to have high hopes for!

 Chapter 28 - I鈥檒l Believe You For Once

    Forty minutes later, the car arrived at Jones'' residence.


    Augustus was stunned from the sight he beheld.


    Before him stood a huge mansion. There were even private pools and a golf course in the estate.


    Augustus had the impression that the Harrington family''s qualifications were already considered good in Halmont, but compared to the Jones family, the Harrington family could not hold a candle to them. They were a million miles apart both in terms of heritage and capabilities!


    "Mr. Cross, you''re here!"


    A figure came to greet them. It was Howard Zander.


    After what happened with Jace, Howard prostrated himself in admiration of Augustus''s medical skills, and his manner at that moment was extremely respectful.


    Augustus nodded to greet in return. He knew that Howard must be here because he was invited by the Jones family to treat Old Master Jones, so he did not say more.


    "Let''s go in together."


    They entered the living room.


    At that moment, in a spacious bedroom, a feeble old man was lying on the sick bed, looking like he had one foot in the grave.


    He was the head of the Jones family, Newton Jones.


    The Jones family members surrounded the sickbed, as well as a team of more than a dozen of medical experts.


    "Elder Jones, after the joint consultation of our team of experts, we''ve determined that you''re suffering from a total heart failure. It''s in the advanced stage of this heart disease, and ordinary drugs are of no use. The only way now would be to¡­ perform a heart transplant.


    The one who spoke was a man in his fifties. His name was Simon Olsen, and he was the head of Halmont Hospital as well as the leader of the medical experts attending to Elder Jones.


    Simon''s diagnosis caused an outcry from the Jones family.


    "In that case, hurry up and make preparations. There mustn''t be a moment''s delay for my father''s illness!"


    The person who spoke was the second son of the Jones family, Jeremiah Jones. He had stood at the top of Halmont City for several years, so his decisions were swift and effective.


    However, Simon was said helplessly, "Mr. Jones, you might not know this, but heart transplantation is a very difficult problem all over the world. Not only is it extremely dangerous, the possibility of finding a suitable donor in a short period of time is also very slim..."


    The Jones family was stunned.


    In other words, they could only wait for Old Master Jones''s death?


    On the bed, Newton spoke softly, "If it were as you said and a suitable donor can''t be found in a short amount of time, how much longer do I have?"


    "At most¡­ three months¡­"


    Once these words were uttered, the Jones family was in a complete uproar.


    Newton, who had always been as steady as a mountain, was also dazed and lay down helplessly on the sickbed. He seemed as if he had instantly aged ten years.


    "There are so many of you experts here. Don''t any of you have a solution?!" The third son of the Jones family, Justin Jones, scolded them.


    "I''m sorry, we''ve really tried our best¡­"


    "Tried your best? You couldn''t even cure my grandfather''s disease. I think you''re clearly just a bunch of trash!"


    Justin had been immersed in the business world for many years and had a very explosive temper.


    The medical team''s expressions darkened, and Simon felt himself being put on the spot.


    "Third Master Jones, our team is definitely top-notch. No one in this world can cure Old Master Jones''s illness, unless the God of medicine is alive!"


    As soon as those words were spoken, a voice suddenly spoke.


    "There''s no need for the God of medicine to be alive. I can cure Old Master Jones''s illness!"


    Augustus spoke as he walked in.


    When they saw that the person who came in was just an absolutely ordinary young man, they were instantly speechless.


    "Where the hell did this person come from? How dare you cause trouble at the Jones residence. Hurry up and get lost!"


    Justin was furious and cursed at Augustus immediately.


    "Uncle, you misunderstood. His name is Augustus Cross. I invited him here to treat Grandpa."


    Clara quickly explained.


    "Cure Grandpa? Him?"


    The Jones family felt like they just heard a big joke.


    Justin laughed and said angrily, "Clara, is it the time for this? How could you still be in the mood to joke around?


    "That boy is still wet behind the ears, but you want him to treat your Grandpa''s illness? That''s absolute nonsense!"


    Clara explained patiently, "Uncle, please believe me. Augustus''s medical skills are really amazing. He definitely has a way to cure Grandpa!"


    Augustus nodded. "Yes, Old Master Jones''s illness is very simple. I can indeed cure it!"


    Before the Jones family could say anything, Simon could no longer hold back.


    "Young man, this isn''t the right way to seek fame. Do you think experts like us are inferior to a young man like you?!"


    "That''s right! Any one of us can be your teacher! How dare you try and display your meager skills in front of us experts? You''re simply overestimating your abilities!"


    The experts held a sense of superiority in front of a youngster.


    Just then, someone spoke, "The ones underestimating their abilities are you!"


    "President Zander? Why are you here?"


    When Simon and the others saw Howard in person, they were all terrified.


    Howard was the dean of Halmont Medical Academy as well as the president of the Medical Association. Whether it was his ability or his status, he was naturally leagues above these so-called experts.


    Howard looked livid. "Mr. Cross has superb medical skills. It won''t be an exaggeration to call him a Sage Doctor. You lot are really short-sighted to belittle him!"


    "Him... A Sage Doctor?"


    It was the first time they had heard of someone in his twenties being called a Sage Doctor.


    Just then, Clara spoke, "I can vouch for him. Augustus''s medical skills are indeed superb. My innate cold energy was cured by him!"


    Newton''s expression changed abruptly.


    "Clara, are you telling the truth? He really cured your cold energy?"


    "Of course! And he only used three needles!"


    Newton was stunned.


    In the past, he spent a fortune to find countless experts to treat Clara, but to no avail. However, she was easily cured by Augustus!


    "Can you really cure me?"


    Augustus held up a finger. "One hour. That''s all I need!"


    Simon and the others were instantly speechless. They needed a heart transplant to alleviate Newton''s problem, but this unknown young man said that it would only take an hour?


    That was too much of a bluff!


    The Jones family also felt that Augustus was completely untrustworthy.


    However, Newton finally nodded. "Okay, I''ll believe you for once!"

 Chapter 29 - Coiling Dragon Acupuncture

    Although the people of the Jones family were against it, they did not dare to say anything since Newton himself had spoken.


    "Boy, don''t blame me for not warning you. If anything happens to my dad, I won''t spare you!"


    Justin held zero expectations for Augustus.


    Augustus smiled and said, "I''m afraid you won''t have the chance to."


    Then, he told everyone to stand outside the door and free up the space in the bedroom.


    "Elder Jones, I''m going to start now."


    Augustus''s expression hardened as his hands suddenly moved like swimming dragons, running over Newton''s body.


    This scene made Simon and the other experts smile wryly.


    "What is that kid doing? Massaging?"


    "He''s trying to use traditional medicine to treat heart failure? He must be crazy."


    "I have said that this young man can''t do it at all. He only knows how to put on airs!"


    The Jones family also shook their heads and sighed. This young man was really wasting their time!


    The hot-tempered Justin could not stand it anymore and was just about to go forward and stop Augustus, but Jeremiah stopped him.


    "Wait!"


    Justin froze and followed Jeremiah''s gaze over.


    Then, his eyes widened in shock.


    At some point, a layer of white fog had wrapped around Augustus''s hands. As his hands wandered, the white fog drifted along in the air like two white dragons!


    Furthermore, the two long white dragons roared following Augustus''s hands above Newton''s body. Even though Augustus was not touching Newton''s skin, his skin rolled like waves!


    The scene was so amazing that the crowd froze in place.


    Howard exclaimed, "That''s¡­ the Coiling Dragon Hands!"


    "The ancient massage technique, Coiling Dragon Hands? Didn''t that technique die out? How can this be¡­"


    Even though Simon was focused on Western medicine, he also dabbled in traditional medicine.


    There were six methods used in traditional medicine: cupping and scraping, acupuncture, herbs, moxibustion, massage, and nutrition.


    Coiling Dragon Hands was the most superior technique under the massage method and was said to have the effect of eliminating all diseases and prolonging life.


    However, the Coiling Dragon Hands had only been recorded in some ancient books and was lost before the rise of witch doctors in the Warring States Period.


    Howard, Simon and the others never expected to be able to witness it with their own eyes today.


    At that point, Augustus''s speed in massaging the Old Master quickened and was increasingly fierce.


    Swoosh!


    Newton''s flesh rolled and surged like wild ocean''s waves.


    Amongst the sound of those huge waves was a low knocking sound, a continuous thudding. It sounded like a drum.


    "What''s that sound?"


    "Look at what his fingers are doing."


    Only then did the crowd see that while the dragons swam in Augustus''s hands, his thumbs kept striking on top of Newton''s flesh and skin, but he was so fast that it could not be noticed unless one was looking closely.


    Furthermore, Augustus''s strikes were extremely precise. All the places he hit were the various acupuncture points on the human body!


    "This is¡­"


    "Coiling Dragon Acupuncture!"


    Howard and Simon exclaimed at the same time.


    The highest realm of the Coiling Dragon Hands, Coiling Dragon Acupuncture!


    They really had an eye-opening experience today!


    At that moment, the Jones family finally saw this young man in a new light. They felt that he might be able to cure the Old Master''s illness.


    Newton also clearly felt that under Augustus''s Coiling Dragon Acupuncture technique, all the meridians and acupuncture points in his body were instantly cleared, as if a thousand rivers were flowing into the sea, merging and uniting!


    This strange feeling was something that Newton had never experienced in his life before.


    However, before the crowd could be happy, a continuous beeping started.


    A piercing alarm was heard as a red light lit up on the monitoring devices.


    "Oh no, Elder Jones''s blood pressure is too high. It has reached 210!"


    "His heart rate is also accelerating. Oh my God, it''s 200 beats per minute!"


    "His heart rate is still increasing, 220! 240! 260!


    "Oh God, he''ll die like this!"


    The expert team was in a mess.


    Everyone in the Jones family was so anxious that their tongues tied and their faces went red.


    "You brat, hurry up and stop!"


    Jeremiah and Justin rushed over at the same time to try and stop Augustus.


    However, as soon as their hands touched him, they were flung backward by a great invisible force.


    "What powerful vital energy!"


    The man in the tunic suit who drove the car earlier was in complete shock.


    The man''s name was Hans Gardner. He had been guarding Newton for many years and was a true martial artist.


    Hans could clearly feel that the strength of the vital energy released from Augustus''s body just now was far beyond his imagination!


    At that point, all of Newton''s vitals had reached their limit.


    Blood pressure 230!


    Heart rate 290!


    This was definitely not something an ordinary person could withstand, let alone a patient with advanced heart failure!


    Finally, the next moment, Augustus pointed his finger out one more time.


    A long neverending beep was heard.


    All the data from the testing equipment abruptly went to zero, and the entire ward instantly fell into silence.


    "Elder Jones has no heartbeat!"


    "Oh, God! He¡­ He killed Elder Jones!"


    The people in the Jones family felt like they were struck by lightning. Even Clara was so scared that she fell to the ground with a thud.


    She never thought that she would become the sinner of the Jones family because of one of her decisions!


    "Dad!"


    Jeremiah shook Old Master Jones as hard as he could, but there was no response.


    Justin was furious and grabbed Augustus by the neck.


    "You quack! How dare you harm my father!"


    Augustus looked calm. "Calm down, Third Master Jones. Everything is under control."


    Justin was completely furious. His father had died, but this b*stard dared to say that everything was under control. How dare he!


    "You son of a b*tch, I''ll kill you!"


    Justin swung his fist and was just about to punch Augustus''s face.


    Just then.


    Beep!


    The neverending beep had a steady pace now.


    Everyone quietened down and looked at the monitor.


    Beep¡­ Beep¡­ Beep¡­


    On the screen, Newton''s electrocardiogram restarted!


    Then, Newton, who had already been ruled dead, shuddered violently and took in his first breath of air like a drowning man resurfaced.


    "He came back from the dead¡­ How is that possible..."


    The experts were horrified and baffled.


    Simon immediately went and examined Newton''s body, and found out that not only was Newton''s heart failure healed, but the state of his heart also seemed to be in its sixties even though he was already in his eighties!


    Hearing this news, the Jones family was ecstatic. Clara was even crying with joy.


    Justin and Jeremiah knelt in front of Augustus without hesitation.


    "Mr. Cross, you''re really the God of medicine. We''re ashamed!"

 Chapter 30 - Billionaire

    At that moment, the Jones family realized that the young man''s medical skills were beyond their comprehension!


    Augustus quickly helped Jeremiah and Justin up.


    "You were just concerned about Elder Jones''s health. It''s only natural you acted so. There''s no need to take it so seriously."


    Justin and the others felt even more guilty at his words.


    They were very knowledgeable people in high positions, but unexpectedly, they misjudged Augustus here today.


    Newton was very excited. "Mr. Cross, your medical skills are profound! I will never forget your kindness in saving my life today!"


    Augustus smiled faintly. "You''re exaggerating. Although there shouldn''t be much of a problem with your heart now, your body is still very weak, so I''ll give you some prescriptions later. You should be fine soon after taking them. However, there''s something more important that I need to confirm."


    "Hm? What is it?"


    "If I may ask, did your father also pass away because of a heart problem?"


    Newton''s expression changed. "How did you know?"


    Seeing Newton''s reaction, Augustus already had an answer in his heart. "I knew it!"


    Everyone was confused.


    "Mr. Cross, what do you mean by that?"


    Augustus explained, "I examined it just now. The Second and Third Master has heart problems just like you, Elder Jones! Including your father, this problem has occurred in all three generations of the family, so it''s not a coincidence!"


    "Could it be hereditary?" Simon asked.


    Augustus shook his head. "If it were a normal heart failure, then it might be possible. However, Elder Jones''s heart failure isn''t due to an ordinary cause. It''s due to frequent backflow of blood that happens over an extended amount of time."


    "Backflow of blood?"


    That disease was naturally not hereditary. It seemed like it was something acquired.


    Nathan sensed the seriousness of the matter and quickly asked, "In your opinion, what''s the cause of this?"


    Augustus observed and said, "If I''m not wrong, the Jones family practices martial arts, right?"


    "What do you mean by that?"


    "Kung Fu!" Augustus said, "Elder Jones, your illness is due to defective martial arts techniques!"


    When those words were spoken, the Jones family went into an uproar.


    They had been a martial arts family since ancient times, and it was due to their achievements in martial arts that they were able to contribute meritorious services in the military and remain successful today.


    This martial arts practice could be deemed the pride of the Jones family, but now, Augustus said that there were defects in their method!


    "That''s impossible¡­" Jeremiah and the others could not accept it.


    However, Newton had a solemn expression. "No, it''s very possible!"


    Others did not know this, but as the head of the family, Newton knew very well that the method the Jones family was using now was something that their ancestors learned secretly from a master in the past.


    Back then, only a portion of the method was secretly learned, and their ancestors relied on their understanding to fabricate the remaining.


    It was completely reasonable that such martial arts techniques would be flawed!


    Augustus had never seen the Jones family''s fist technique before, yet he was able to make such astonishing judgments.


    Newton marveled in his heart. Augustus was indeed not an ordinary person!


    "Mr. Cross, this has to do with the Jones family. Is there a way to fix it?"


    Newton clasped his hands and asked with the utmost respect.


    Augustus thought about it. "If I can see the Jones family''s techniques, I might be able to give it a try."


    Newton immediately had someone fetch the ancient book on the Jones family''s fist technique.


    Augustus skimmed through it and had a clear understanding.


    "This fist technique is just fierce and not flexible enough. A truly mature fist technique will always have a combination of rigidity and fluidity. It''s not good to be too fierce and rigid!"


    "What do you mean?"


    Augustus did not say anything else and simply picked up the pen to write on the ancient book.


    "You¡­"


    The Jones family was horrified.


    This was a relic left behind by their ancestors and was the most important treasure of the Jones family. How could Augustus just vandalize it?


    However, Newton signaled for them to remain quiet.


    A few moments later, Augustus returned the book to Newton, corrected. "That''ll do."


    Newton quickly studied it and was immediately overjoyed.


    "No words can express my gratitude, Mr. Cross! Please allow me to bow to you!"


    Then, Newton dropped to his knees in front of Augustus!


    The crowd was so shocked that their eyes were about to fall to the ground.


    "Dad, what are you¡­"


    Jeremiah and the others were also completely dumbfounded.


    Their highly revered father whom even the mayor of Halmont City had to treat respectfully, was currently kneeling before a little-known young man. That was simply beyond shocking!


    Newton explained, "Mr. Cross elevated our Jones family''s fist technique from a third-rate technique to a top-tier technique!


    "The time for the Jones family to rise even further is right around the corner! Hurry up and kneel to our benefactor in utmost gratitude!"


    The Jones family members were all shocked beyond words.


    They were born into a martial arts family, so they naturally knew very well what a set of top-level techniques meant.


    They thought about the great families in the past. Those families were able to control the capital because they were able to master top-tier techniques.


    Now, their Jones family also possessed a top-level technique. This was indeed a qualitative leap for the Jones family!


    "Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Cross!"


    Standing by the side, Howard, Simon, and the others were all shocked beyond measure when they saw this scene.


    They knew nothing about martial arts, but they knew that after today, Mr. Cross was not someone with whom they could casually build relations!


    Moments later, Augustus sat in Clara''s car and left the Jones family with two things in his hands.


    One was the key to a first-rate villa in Dragonlake.


    The other was a fifty-one percent stake in a listed company called Caduceus Corporation!


    The villa was worth more than 200 million, and as the top pharmaceutical company in Halmont City, the market value of Caduceus Corporation was more than ten billion!


    These two gifts were incredibly heavy, but Augustus''s polite refusal was no match for the Jones family''s persuasion, so he had to finally accept it with a smile.


    Who would have thought that Augustus, who was just a loser who could only live on his wife''s charity three days ago, would suddenly become a business tycoon with tens of billions in assets!


    "Augustus Cross does have some talent, but is he worth spending such a large amount of money to befriend?"


    Someone in the Jones family objected after Augustus left.


    "You short-sighted boy!" Newton rebuked directly. "Is ten billion a lot? The influence that this new martial art would bring to this family in the future is worth at least a hundred billion!"


    "A hundred billion!" The crowd was shocked.


    The man in the tunic suit was deeply impressed. "The benefits of a top-level martial arts method are obvious. For example, Young Master Ian will be able to benefit immediately!"


    Ian Jones was Jeremiah''s son as well as a person with an outstanding talent among the Jones family descendants. Ten years ago, he had acquired the title of Rank Three War General.


    Newton nodded. "Ian has been stuck as a Rank Three War General for many years, but with this new technique, he''ll be able to rise to Rank Two Warlord soon!"


    "Rank Two Warlord!" The Jones family''s eyes brightened.


    A War General guarded the borders while a Warlord could go through the customs.


    Could their Jones family finally produce a Warlord after several hundred years?


    If that were the case, then the value would not be just mere hundreds of billions!

 Chapter 31 - Come Up To Apologize

    When Augustus got home, he happened to bump into Jeanne, who was just about to go out with a cold expression.


    "Jeanne, where are you going?"


    "Where is she going? It''s all your fault!"


    Liane was furious at the sight of Augustus. "You beat Dexter Fox up and now Jeanne has to go get yelled at by the Old Madam!


    "Wasn''t it enough that you lost Jeanne her position as Director? Are you trying to drive her out of Harrington Corp?! Augustus, I think you''re doing this on purpose!"


    "Mom, don''t say that. If it weren''t because of Augustus last night¡­"


    "Why are you still protecting him? If he was capable of anything, our family would''ve soared to great heights long ago! We wouldn''t need to suffer from indignation from the Harrington family!"


    Jeanne could not rebut that.


    Augustus frowned. "It was clearly Dexter''s fault. Why should Grandmother punish Jeanne? Jeanne, I''ll go with you and explain it to her."


    Jeanne smiled bitterly. "The last person Grandma wants to see is you. You''d just make it worse if you go. Don''t worry, I''ll manage."


    Then, she went downstairs.


    "Jeanne is really unlucky to have married a jinx like you!" Liane cursed at him.


    Augustus could not be bothered with her and called Clara directly. "Ms. Jones, there''s a favor I would like to ask¡­"


    After hanging up the phone, Augustus drove his Mercedes directly to Harrington''s residence.


    When Jeanne arrived at the mansion, she saw that the rest of the Harrington family had been waiting for a long time.


    As soon as she entered the door, Old Madam Harrington screamed in fury. "Jeanne Harrington, how dare you!"


    Old Madam Harrington sat in the middle and was flanked by Carter and Iris, looking like judges before a defendant.


    "Grandma, I can explain about Yorkfire Corporation¡­"


    Iris snorted coldly. "What''s there to explain? I told you to go there and negotiate the contract, but you actually colluded with that garbage husband of yours to set a trap for President Fox!"


    "What do you mean?"


    Carter sneered. "Jeanne, stop pretending. President Fox called us this morning and told us everything. Yesterday, you deliberately told Joey and Taylor to leave after dinner, then you took the opportunity to seduce President Fox and finally let Augustus beat him up. What a great move!"


    "That''s nonsense! What would I gain from doing that?!"


    "Nothing. You just deliberately ruined the contract with Yorkfire Corporation to get back at Grandma and the Harrington family because you resented us after you were removed from your position as Director!"


    Carter spoke with so much conviction that Jeanne was furious. "Don''t slander me! It was clearly Dexter Fox who had designs on me. Augustus raised his hands against Dexter in order to save me! Revenge has nothing to do with this!"


    "Jeanne, I didn''t think that you''d continue to deny even now. It seems you won''t admit it until the very end! In that case, I''ll make you accept it!"


    Iris clapped her hands, and two figures walked over. It was Joey and Taylor, who attended the dinner with Jeanne yesterday.


    "Go on, tell us what happened yesterday."


    The two of them looked at Jeanne and then said, "Yesterday, halfway through the meal, Jeanne told us to leave first."


    "Yes, she said she had something to talk to President Fox with alone, and it wasn''t convenient for us to be there¡­"


    Jeanne trembled in anger at their words and looked at Joey and Taylor with a gaze full of fury. "I''ve always treated you guys well. Why are you falsely accusing me?!"


    They bowed their heads cowardly but insisted, "Director Harrington, although you treat us well, we can''t go against our conscience and lie for you¡­"


    "You¡­"


    Jeanne was filled with grievances but could not say a word.


    "Grandma, you have to believe me. I was framed!"


    Jeanne knelt down.


    Unfortunately, Old Madam Harrington was not moved.


    "Jeanne, I thought that by removing your position, you would reflect on what your family did, but I didn''t expect that you''d become worse and drag the Harrington family down with you!"


    "Grandma¡­"


    "Enough! Yorkfire Corporation is a big customer that we can''t afford to lose! Go to President Fox and apologize immediately. No matter what, you have to get his forgiveness and seal the contract. Otherwise, your family will be expelled from the Harrington family!"


    Jeanne felt like dying ashes. Asking her to go to Dexter and apologize was no different than walking into a lion''s den!


    Carter and Iris exchanged a triumphant glance.


    Iris smiled teasingly. "Jeanne, hurry up and do as Grandma says!"


    "President Fox is a simple man. As long as you''re sincere enough, he''ll definitely forgive you!"


    By sincere, they naturally meant that Jeanne should offer herself up!


    Jeanne never thought that her relatives would be so vicious!


    However, Iris''s words were supported by the rest of the Harrington family.


    "That''s right, hurry up and apologize!"


    "If our dividends are affected, you won''t be able to afford the consequences!"


    "You have to get the contract no matter what!"


    They did not care what price Jeanne had to pay. What they cared about were their own interests!


    Jeanne was in despair.


    At that moment, an angry shout was heard from outside. "You all clearly know what kind of person Dexter Fox is, yet you''re still pushing her into the lion''s den! Are you guys still human?"


    Augustus walked in furiously as he spoke.


    "You''re just in time. You were also involved in yesterday''s incident, so you''ll go with Jeanne to apologize to Director Fox later. If you don''t get his forgiveness, you don''t come back!" Carter ordered.


    Augustus snorted coldly. "He''s not worthy of my apology! If someone has to apologize, he should be the one running to me to apologize instead!"


    Iris snickered. "Do you know who President Fox is? Not only is he the chairman of Yorkfire Corporation, he''s a bigshot in Halmont City, but you want him to apologize to you? You must be dreaming!"


    "Putting aside whether President Fox is right or wrong. Even if he was wrong, do you think a puny man like you who married into the Harrington family is qualified to make a bigshot like him take the initiative to apologize to you?" Carter was also full of disdain.


    Even Jeanne did not hold any hope for that, much less the others.


    However, Augustus seemed to be interested. "Then why don''t we make a bet? I bet that Dexter will come here to apologize today. If I win, Jeanne will be reinstated as director, and if I lose, our family will leave the Harrington family forever!"


    Jeanne widened her eyes and looked at Augustus in disbelief.


    Did this guy think he had not done her enough harm?


    "Hahaha, sure! I''ll take that bet!" Iris agreed immediately.


    "Augustus, this was your choice. Don''t regret it later! I want to see how a piece of trash like you can make Dexter come and apologize!"


    Carter had a smug look on his face. He could not wait to see Jeanne''s family leave the Harrington family.


    However, right after he spoke.


    "President Fox from Yorkfire Corporation is here!"


    Then, Dexter, who was covered in bandages and had a cast on his arm, ran over while being supported by several bodyguards.


    "Brother Augustus, I''m here to admit my mistakes to you. Please forgive me!"


    Dexter knelt down in front of Augustus with a thud before anyone could react.

 Chapter 32 - The SoninLaw Is Rebelling

    The Harrington family was completely dumbfounded.


    Dexter actually came to their house to apologize and even kneeled to Augustus?


    This must be an illusion!


    Augustus reminded him, "You shouldn''t be kneeling to me, but my wife!"


    "Yes yes yes. Director Harrington, I was a fool and offended you yesterday. I deserve to die!"


    Dexter kneeled in front of Jeanne and slapped himself mercilessly, looking extremely lowly.


    He could not afford to not be lowly. Earlier, Clara made it very clear on the phone that if he did not please Augustus, he would have to choose the cemetery he wanted to be buried in tomorrow.


    "I''ve amended the contract. I''ll increase the interest by another 30% from before. Please give me another chance to cooperate with you, Director Harrington!"


    Dexter handed over the contract with both hands.


    Jeanne froze in place, feeling like she was dreaming.


    The Harrington family looked like they had just seen a ghost.


    In the past, trying to get a contract from Yorkfire was as hard as trying to climb to the heavens, but now, Dexter came up to beg them. What on earth was going on?


    Augustus took the contract and dismissed him. "Jeanne will sign the contract when she''s free. There''s no need for you to be here anymore. Get lost!"


    "Yes yes yes, thank you, Brother Augustus!"


    Dexter scurried out of the Harrington residence.


    Augustus looked at Dexter''s figure and smirked. "Looks like President Fox isn''t as difficult to deal with as you guys said."


    The Harrington family was speechless.


    It was the first time they saw the arrogant and domineering Dexter Fox be reduced to such a state.


    "Good. I announce that from now on, Jeanne will be reinstated as the director of the sales department!" Old Madam Harrington spoke.


    Iris, who had only sat in the position for a day before it was taken away again, gnashed her teeth in hatred.


    However, Augustus shook his head. "Jeanne''s position should indeed be restored, but that''s not enough!"


    The crowd was stunned. They did not expect Augustus to have the audacity to bargain with the Old Madam.


    Carter immediately spoke up. "Augustus, don''t try to take advantage of the situation! What else do you want?"


    "My wife was falsely accused. Of course, I want justice!"


    Augustus looked at Joey and Taylor with cold eyes. "You''re not telling the truth even now. Do you think your heads are harder than Dexter''s?"


    Thud!


    Joey and Taylor fell to their knees.


    Even a bigshot like Dexter Fox had apologized to Augustus. How would the two of them still dare to be stubborn?


    "Director Harrington, it has nothing to do with us. It was Iris who ordered us to do this!"


    "She threatened to expose and put us in jail for accepting bribes. We were forced to lie!"


    The crowd was in an uproar, not expecting such a reversal.


    "How dare you try to smear me! You have a lot of guts¡­"


    Smack!


    Before Iris could finish talking, she was slapped to the ground by Augustus.


    "H-How dare you hit me?"


    Iris looked at Augustus incredulously.


    Even in her nightmares, she never expected that she would be beaten by this good-for-nothing.


    Augustus''s eyes were ice cold. "You know very well if you did it or not! This slap is a lesson for you. If there''s a next time, I won''t let you off!"


    Then he pulled Jeanne who was still in shock and left.


    "Revolt! That son-in-law is rebelling! Grandma, you have to do something for me!"


    Iris sat on the ground and cried.


    The Old Madam had a headache. "Enough, you were also at fault in this matter. Just don''t do it again."


    She could not be bothered with small conflicts like this. All she cared about was the interests of the Harrington family.


    Since Augustus got the contract with Yorkfire Corporation, there was nothing else she had to say.


    "Grandma¡­"


    Iris cried out, but the Old Madam had already left with her cane.


    "Augustus Cross! This isn''t over!"


    Iris roared like a lioness.


    Back in the car, Jeanne was still baffled. "What happened with Dexter?"


    "It''s nothing. I just frightened him and said that I have a video of him plotting against you yesterday and that he''ll go to jail if he doesn''t apologize. He was spooked."


    Jeanne could not believe it. "That simple?"


    "Why else do you think he''d take the initiative to apologize?"


    Jeanne was speechless.


    She doubted the credibility of his words but she could not think of any other possibilities.


    Augustus quickly changed the subject. "Tomorrow is the weekend. I want to bring Skylar to see my mom. Do you want to come with us?"


    "Our company will be participating in a trade fair tomorrow, so I''ll need to be there to coordinate. I don''t think I''ll be able to leave."


    As Jeanne spoke, she brought out an exquisite paper bag from the back seat.


    "These are some clothes I bought for Mom a few days ago. Help me give it to her tomorrow."


    Augustus recognized this brand. It was not cheap.


    Although Jeanne had always been lukewarm toward Augustus, she was still a decent daughter-in-law and sometimes even personally washed his mother''s clothes.


    It was very hard to imagine that a pampered and spoiled young lady like Jeanne would willingly do chores.


    Seeing how Jeanne had cared for his mother, his heart was somewhat touched.


    Perhaps this was the reason why he was still willing to compromise even though the Harrington family treated him so badly.


    The next morning, Augustus drove Skylar and went to visit his mother, Susan Springer.


    Susan lived alone in the old city district. Although the houses here were a little dilapidated, they were built in a rare one-family courtyard style, so the elderly who were not used to buildings would be able to live comfortably here.


    From one end of the street, Augustus saw his mother standing in front of the house looking out from afar. She had clearly been waiting for a long time.


    "Grandma!"


    Skylar ran toward Susan like a little angel.


    Susan was overjoyed and picked Skylar up.


    "Grandma, I missed you so much. Did you miss me?"


    "Yes, of course I did! I saw you in my dreams every night!"


    "Grandma is such a good girl! I''ll give you a reward."


    Then, Skylar pressed a smooch on Susan''s face, making Susan smile from ear to ear.


    Seeing his mother''s happy appearance, Augustus''s heart was a little bitter.


    He knew that his mother loved Skylar the most, and Skylar also enjoyed spending time with his mother.


    However, he was just someone who stayed with his wife''s family and could not even let his mother see Skylar every day. He could only let her live alone in this dilapidated courtyard.


    When he thought of his mother''s lonely figure looking out the door every day, he could not help but feel a trace of bitterness in his heart.


    "Where''s Jeanne? She didn''t come with you?" Susan asked.


    "She''s busy at work today. She asked me to bring you this gift."


    Augustus handed the clothes over.


    "Oh, that girl. She shouldn''t have spent money on this."


    Although that was what Susan said, her face was full of joy.


    "Mom, go ahead and try them on," Augustus suggested.


    "I wanna see Grandma wear new clothes too!" Skylar was very excited.


    "Okay, then I''ll go try them on."


    Moments later, Susan changed her clothes and came out of the house.


    It was true that clothes made the man. With the new clothes on, she was glowing and her temperament was much better.


    "Grandma, you''re so pretty!" Skylar''s mouth was particularly sweet.


    Augustus chimed in, "Mom, you really are beautiful. It''s no wonder you could give birth to such a handsome son like me!"


    Susan was tickled pink by the pair of father and daughter.


    "Well, I still have to cook later, so I''d better change back first."


    Susan was just about to go to the back of the house when Augustus stopped her. "No need, Mom. Let''s go to a restaurant today and eat something delicious."


    Before Susan could reply, Skylar jumped up happily. "That''s great! We can eat out at a restaurant!"


    Susan smiled wryly. She did not want to let Skylar be disappointed, so she had to agree.


    Skylar hopped out the door while Augustus and Susan followed behind, chasing after her as they laughed.


    Skylar hid behind a car parked by the lane and played hide-and-seek with Augustus and Susan. Her two pigtails stood out and made her look extra cute.


    However, at that moment, someone suddenly shouted. "Where did this little brat come from? Get the hell away from my car!"

 Chapter 33 - I Really Don鈥檛 Know

    A young man dressed in a suit came over looking fierce.


    Skylar turned pale when she saw the man and froze in place.


    "I''m talking to you! Are you deaf? Get out of the way!" The man pointed at Skylar and shouted impatiently.


    "Don''t be scared, Skylar."


    Augustus quickly ran over and picked Skylar up.


    Skylar was terrified. She jumped into Augustus''s arms and burst into tears.


    When the man saw Augustus, his face flashed with disdain.


    "Is that your daughter? How are you a father when you don''t even look after your kid? Can you afford to pay if she scratched my new car?"


    Susan rushed over with a smile. "We''re so sorry, Sir. We didn''t pay enough attention to the child and caused you trouble."


    Being at the bottom of the social ladder, Susan''s first thought whenever things went wrong was to take the blame.


    The man waved his hand impatiently. "Enough, I don''t have time to waste on you. Keep an eye on your kid in the future. Don''t let her run around and accidentally scratch someone''s car!"


    Augustus would have let this matter slide but the man''s words completely infuriated him.


    "She didn''t even touch your car. Do you have to be so vicious?"


    The man was offended. "Did I say anything wrong? Your daughter looks like she wasn''t educated properly. It''s only a matter of time before she gets into trouble!"


    "You¡­"


    Augustus was so angry he wanted to hit someone.


    Just then, several people came over.


    "Henry, what''s going on?"


    A girl in a short dress came over and froze when she saw Augustus.


    "It''s you!"


    Her words were full of disgust.


    This girl''s name was Macy Jensen. She was Augustus''s neighbor and always had a sense of superiority because of her good family background.


    However, when she grew up, she was crushed by Augustus in all aspects, and even the medical school she attended paled in comparison to Augustus''s university.


    This made Macy green with envy. In her opinion, a country bumpkin like Augustus was not qualified to be better than her.


    Then, Augustus dropped out of school and married into the Harrington family, and Macy finally turned her nose up at him to his face. Every time she saw him, she would mock him.


    "Macy, you know him?"


    Macy snorted coldly. "His name is Augustus Cross. He''s that neighbor that''s living in his wife''s house that I told you about!"


    Henry burst into laughter. "So you''re Augustus Cross! I was rude! Hahaha¡­"


    Henry cupped his hands together mockingly. It was obvious that he was ridiculing Augustus.


    Just then, Macy''s parents, Walter Jensen and Camille Gibbs came over too.


    Today, Macy brought her boyfriend Henry to meet her parents, and the family was heading out to eat.


    "Henry, I heard a quarrel," Walter spoke up.


    "It''s nothing big. I mentioned that this kid touched my car, but that man became unhappy."


    Henry brushed the important details aside and put all the blame on Augustus.


    "Is the car okay? Was it scratched?" Walter quickly asked with concern.


    "Fortunately, it''s fine."


    Walter sighed in relief. "That''s good. You''d have to handle it yourself if it really was scratched. After all, Augustus''s family conditions aren''t very good."


    Susan was slightly embarrassed and put on an awkward smile.


    Then, Camille had a lecturing look. "Augustus, we''re old neighbors, so we won''t bicker with you, but anyone else wouldn''t have let you go if you did anything to their car!"


    Camille assumed a magnanimous appearance, but it only made her look more calculating.


    Augustus laughed in anger. It was true that some people got together because they share common traits. This family was simply unbelievable!


    "Uncle, Aunty, forget it. Maybe he was careless because he doesn''t know how much my car is worth."


    "He''s just a country bumpkin. Of course he wouldn''t know about cars!"


    Macy raised her chin, full of disdain for Augustus.


    Augustus nodded. "You''re right. I really don''t know that kind of car! Now, please move aside. We''re leaving."


    Beep beep!


    Augustus pressed his car keys, and the Mercedes S-Class nearby lit up.


    After looking at the Mercedes worth 3,000,000, and then at the Honda Accord worth 200,000 that Henry just bought, the Jensen family''s jaws dropped.


    Augustus ignored them and walked away with Susan and Skylar while whistling.


    The Jensen family stood where they were, embarrassed beyond compare.


    They were not stupid, so they knew very well that a Honda and a Mercedes-Benz were in completely different classes.


    They had just said that Augustus''s family was not well off and he did not know about cars! They only felt ashamed and humiliated now.


    "What''s the big deal about driving a Mercedes? He''s still a piece of trash that lives off a woman!" Macy scolded in a puff of anger.


    "Although Henry''s car isn''t as good as the Mercedes, at least he earned it with his own ability. Augustus can''t compare to him in this aspect!" Camille also looked down on Augustus''s family like Macy did.


    The Jensen family comforted themselves so they did not feel as embarrassed as they actually did.


    Ten minutes later, Augustus brought Susan and Skylar to a restaurant.


    Halmont Banquet was a five-star restaurant and one of the famous ones in Halmont City.


    "Gus, this place is so well decorated. It must be very expensive! Why don''t we eat somewhere else¡­"


    Susan was a little intimidated by the opulent front of the house.


    Augustus smiled. "It''s okay. I earned some money recently. Let''s eat here today!"


    Then, Augustus pulled Susan and Skylar in.


    However, as soon as they entered, the restaurant''s personnel came over to apologize. "I''m sorry, Sir, but there are no tables available at the moment. You might have to wait a bit. There should be a table in about ten minutes."


    Augustus was slightly upset. He did not expect this restaurant to be so popular.


    "Okay, then we''ll wait for a while."


    Augustus and the others were led to the waiting area.


    As soon as they turned around, they saw Macy and the others enter.


    Macy was furious when she saw Augustus.


    She brought Henry home today to show him off to her family, but the limelight was stolen away by Augustus. It was only natural that she was angry.


    "Augustus Cross, what are you doing here?"


    Augustus found her question ridiculous. "This is a restaurant. Of course we''re here to eat."


    "Eat? Do you know what this place is? This is Halmont Banquet. Do you think you can afford to eat here?"


    "That''s not something you need to be concerned about."


    Macy sneered disdainfully. "That''s true. Although you don''t have money, you have a rich wife. Not only did your wife buy you a car, but she also gives you money to eat. I just want to know this, you''re a grown man yet you spend a woman''s money all day. How can you feel so comfortable with it?"


    Augustus''s expression sank. He was just about to retort when Susan held him back.


    Susan had always been kind to people and did not like to argue.


    Augustus ignored Macy and went back to the waiting area and sat down.


    However, Macy and her family were also arranged to wait.


    Macy looked at Augustus and smirked triumphantly.


    She got a score off him earlier, but she felt that it was not enough.

 Chapter 34 - A Wealthy Husband鈥檚 Shell

    Macy shot Henry a look. Henry caught it and took the initiative to approach Augustus.


    "Bro, that Mercedes you have is quite nice. You''re so young but you''re already driving a Mercedes. How did you do it? Can you give me a few pointers?"


    Augustus immediately recognized Henry''s malicious intentions.


    He smiled and said seriously, "That''s simple. Just find a wife who''s not stingy."


    Then, he looked at Macy intently, making her slapped the table and stood in anger.


    "Who are you calling stingy?"


    "Don''t misunderstand, I''m not talking about you. After all, it''s still uncertain whether you can get married."


    "You¡­"


    Augustus said casually, angered Macy to the point she wanted to spit out blood.


    Henry acted as a mediator. "Bro, don''t misunderstand. I just want to help you since you are Macy''s neighbor. Even though your Mercedes is good, it''s not your own. A true man should rely on his own ability to make money!


    "I''m not talented, but I managed to achieve a few things in life after working hard. I founded my own advertising company that has tens of millions in assets! If you want, you can come work at my company. What do you think?"


    Henry had a plan. If Augustus declined, at least he showed how superior he was over Augustus. If he accepted, then even better. Henry would be able to deal with Augustus however he wanted!


    Walter listened in and immediately became interested. "Henry is right. Augustus, there''s something I''ve wanted to say for a long time. You''re a man, so you can''t keep relying on a woman to support you! Am I right, Susan?"


    "Huh? That''s¡­"


    The docile Susan did not know what to say when she was suddenly asked that question.


    Walter tapped the table. "How about this? I''ll settle the matters today. Henry, go and find a job for Augustus. At least we''ll be able to help him!"


    "Don''t worry, Uncle. Since you''re neighbors, I''ll definitely help!" Henry looked very righteous.


    "It just so happens that our company lacks a security guard. The salary isn''t that high, but Augustus is only a high school graduate, so this job is just right for him."


    "Good, then it''s settled! Augustus, what do you think?"


    Walter finished making all the arrangements before the thought occurred to him to ask for Augustus''s opinion.


    Augustus smiled wryly.


    Was he going to tell the Jensen family that he was already the chairman of Caduceus Corporation as well as a billionaire?


    After all, they were neighbors, so Augustus felt like it was better not to hurt their pride.


    "No need. I don''t need that job."


    Augustus''s polite refusal displeased the Jensen family.


    Macy snorted a laugh. "Henry was kind enough to offer you a job, but you refused it. Augustus, you''re too unappreciative!"


    "I''m unappreciative because I didn''t accept your kindness? Well, then I''ll offer you a job to clean the toilets now. Do you want to accept it?"


    "You¡­" Macy choked on her words.


    Camille could not bear to watch any longer.


    "It''s hard to be a good samaritan nowadays. Your kind intentions would only be regarded as malice. Since he''s willing to live off a woman for the rest of his life, then let''s not meddle in his business!"


    Walter shook his head helplessly, looking like he was disappointed in Augustus for not taking the offer.


    "You''re right, Aunty. We already offered our help, but if he doesn''t appreciate it, then forget it. Maybe he thinks living off a woman is more enjoyable, haha¡­"


    Camille nodded in satisfaction. "At least you''re sensible, Henry. Not only do you have the backbone, but you''re also capable and were able to establish a company worth tens of millions at such a young age. Compared to certain someone, you''re too amazing!"


    Camille glanced at Augustus with eyes full of mockery.


    Augustus could not be bothered with them. Since they wanted to show off, go ahead.


    Just then, a restaurant staff came over.


    "Hello, Sir. A table was vacated, you can dine in now!"


    "Okay."


    Augustus was just about to stand up, but Henry and the others were one step ahead.


    "Then we''ll go ahead."


    The Jensen family actually headed in to get their seats first.


    Augustus was upset. He really had the first-hand experience of how shameless this family was!


    Even the staff member could not stand it. "Um, I''m sorry, but this gentleman arrived first."


    Macy said coldly, "Which eye of yours saw that he arrived first? It was obviously us!"


    "That''s right. Besides, he doesn''t have money at all. Even if he eats here, how much can he eat?"


    Henry laughed and led Macy and the others inside.


    At that moment, a dozen burly men suddenly rushed into the restaurant.


    The man in the lead had a buzzcut. Augustus recognized this person. He was Dexter''s right-hand man, Max!


    Max and the others clearly came here prepared. Their eyes locked directly on Henry as soon as they entered.


    "F*ck!"


    When Henry saw Max and the others, he ran away like a rat trying to run from a cat.


    Unfortunately, before he could take two steps, Max already caught up to him.


    With one good kick, Henry''s front teeth were knocked out, filling his mouth with blood.


    "You f*cker. Try to run! I f*cking dare you to run!"


    Max kicked Henry''s body fiercely, causing him to spit out a mouthful of blood.


    This scene took the crowd by surprise.


    "What are you doing? How could you beat someone up in broad daylight? There are laws in this world!" Walter said righteously.


    However, just as he finished speaking, Max slapped him to the ground.


    "F*ck off, old man. If you dare to talk nonsense again, I''ll beat you up with him!"


    Walter was so scared that he retreated and did not dare to make a peep again.


    He acted bold and confident in front of reasonable people, but when it came to unreasonable people, he was completely terrified.


    "Henry is my boyfriend. If you hit him, I''ll call the police!"


    Macy put on an aggressive look.


    Max grinned. "Call the police? Sure. This kid owes us more than eight million and refuses to pay up. I want to see if the police will arrest us or him when they come!"


    "More than eight million!"


    The Jensen family was shocked.


    "He said that he had tens of millions! How did he owe so much money?"


    In actuality, Henry did have money and opened a company, but because of his poor business management, he was on the verge of bankruptcy. In his desperation, he had no choice but to borrow money from loan sharks. However, not only did he end up losing the company, but he was also knee-deep in debt.


    Henry crawled over and hugged Max''s leg. "Bro, it''s not that I don''t want to pay you back. I really don''t have money. Give me a few more days! Don''t worry, I''ll definitely pay you back when I get the money¡­"


    "B*llshit!" Max slapped Henry''s face and roared, "You have no money yet you dared to buy a f*cking car! You have no money yet you dared to dine at Halmont Banquet! You think I''m a f*cking idiot, don''t you? I''ll kill you!"


    "Bro, please spare my life! I¡­ I didn''t buy the car. I borrowed it from a friend. I also borrowed the money to eat here today! I only did it to save my face in front of my girlfriend!"


    Henry confessed to everything anxiously.


    The Jensen family was completely stunned.


    They thought that they caught a wealthy future husband and son-in-law, but it was just an empty shell!

 Chapter 35 - That Guy Looks Weird

    Macy flew into a rage and slapped Henry across the face.


    "You b*stard! How dare you lie to me!"


    Henry also felt aggrieved. "Sh*t, I did it because of you! Your family are snobs and want to climb the social ladder. How would you take a fancy to me if I don''t have money?"


    Macy flushed with anger. Walter and Camille were also put on the spot.


    "Cut the crap and pay up! If you dare to fool me again, I''ll chop you up!"


    Max was in the money lending business for many years and was known for his notorious ruthlessness.


    Henry was scared witless. Then, he suddenly thought of something and hugged Macy''s legs.


    "Macy, look, I spent a lot of money on you. How about this? You help me pay the money first! I''ll definitely pay you back when I have money!"


    Macy thought her ears were playing tricks on her. "Henry, are you insane? Why should I pay back the money you owe?"


    Before Henry could speak, Max said, "Why? Because you''re his girlfriend!"


    Max''s eyes swept over Macy''s body lecherously. Although Macy did not have a good character, her figure was great and her looks were also pretty, so it was enough to arouse Max''s interest.


    "Since you''re his girlfriend, you have a share in the debt he owes. How about this, if you come with us, I''ll give you a discount on the eight million you owe me. How does that sound?"


    Macy was stupefied. She never thought that she would be dragged into this.


    Before she could speak, Henry nodded with joy. "Yes yes yes. It''s settled then!"


    Macy was so angry she wanted to explode. "Henry, you b*stard! You scumbag! I must have been blind to take a fancy to you!"


    "Henry, how could you sell Macy for money? Are you still a man?"


    Camille jumped with anger.


    However, Max did not want to waste any more time. "Cut the crap! Drag this woman away!"


    Six burly men picked Macy up and headed outside without a word.


    Macy was so scared she felt her soul leave her body. It was clear what would happen to her if she was taken away by these people!


    "Don''t grab me! I''ll break up with him now! I have nothing to do with him! Don''t take me!"


    Camille and Walter rushed to stop them.


    "Don''t take our daughter!"


    "If you dare to mess around, I''ll call the police!"


    However, how could both of them be a match for those men? They were kicked away as soon as they approached.


    "F*ck off!"


    Max snorted coldly. "You want to call the police? Be my guest! Let''s see if you''ll dare to report it when we take pictures of your daughter after she''s been stripped naked and slept with!"


    The Jensen family was completely desperate.


    "Help! Somebody, help!"


    They shouted everywhere.


    Although there were many people in the restaurant, no one came forward to help. However, there were quite a few people taking pictures.


    Compared to standing up for what was right in reality, they were better at being keyboard warriors online.


    Seeing how Macy was about to be dragged out of the restaurant, Walter completely succumbed to despair, and Camille started to sob.


    At that moment, Susan blocked their path.


    "How can you kidnap a woman in broad daylight?! There are laws in this country!"


    Susan was timid and average in daily life, but at that moment, she was like a gallant warrior.


    Max looked at Susan and smirked in disdain.


    He spat on the ground and shouted fiercely, "What the hell? How dare an old hag like you meddle in my business! Get out of my way!"


    As Max spoke, he raised his hand and swung it at Susan''s face.


    However, before the hand could land on her face, he was kicked and sent flying back.


    The Jensen family was stunned, not expecting Augustus to step up at this critical moment.


    Then, there was a pang of disappointment in their hearts.


    If only it was someone else who stepped up. Augustus was just a good-for-nothing loser. He would not be able to help even if he tried to.


    "Damn it, who dared to hit me? Are you tired of living?!"


    Max covered his stomach and got up from the ground. His face was vicious with a vengeful intent.


    However, when he saw the person in front of him, he immediately froze.


    "B-Brother Augustus!"


    The Jensen family widened their eyes, not daring to believe their own ears.


    Brother Augustus?


    This ruthless scoundrel actually called Augustus Cross, "Brother Augustus"?


    Augustus looked at Max with a cold expression. "You have a lot of nerve to raise your hand at my mother! Since Dexter Fox didn''t teach you how to behave, I''ll teach you instead!"


    Smack!


    Augustus raised his hand and slapped Max''s face, causing him to stumble and fall to the ground.


    Not only did Max not dare to fight back, but he also kneeled in front of Augustus immediately and apologized. "Brother Augustus, I was wrong. I really didn''t know she was your mother! If I knew, I wouldn''t have dared touch her! Please let me go!"


    Everyone was stunned. The men that Max brought were also dumbfounded. They did not know what was going on now, but when they saw Max so terrified, they did not dare to continue standing and followed his example, kneeling on the ground.


    The Jensen family was so shocked that their eyeballs almost fell out of their sockets.


    Was Augustus not supposed to be a good-for-nothing living off his wife? When did he become so capable?


    They did not know that even Dexter Fox went to Augustus''s door to kneel and beg for forgiveness. Mere mooks like Max counted for nothing.


    "If I see you guys running amok again, I won''t let you off. Scram!"


    "Thank you, Brother Augustus!"


    Max and the others threw Macy down and ran out of the restaurant as if granted amnesty.


    "Macy, a-are you okay?"


    As soon as Max and the others left, Henry went over to check up on her, seemingly forgetting that he had just pushed her into the fire pit.


    "Get out of my sight! I''m revolted by just looking at you!"


    Macy slapped Henry''s face.


    Then, she looked at Augustus.


    Augustus''s expression was calm, but it made Macy feel even more ashamed and resentful.


    She had always felt superior in front of Augustus, but today, all her dignity and haughtiness had been trampled on by him!


    Macy turned and ran out of the restaurant, as Henry and her parents went after her.


    Calm soon returned to the restaurant, and Augustus took Susan and Skylar to an empty table and sat down.


    It was the first time he brought his mother to such a high-class place to eat, so he naturally did not act perfunctorily. He ordered a table full of delicious food, making Skylar happy as could be.


    However, not long after, Skylar pointed curiously at a few diners who came in the door.


    "Grandma, that guy looks weird."


    "Weird? What''s weird about him?"


    Susan asked casually while putting food in Skylar''s bowl.


    "Why is that boy carrying an old man on his back? That old man looks so fierce!"


    Skylar seemed to be a little frightened and shrunk her neck.


    Susan looked up and smiled helplessly. "Silly girl, are your eyes playing tricks on you? I don''t see any old man."


    However, Skylar was insistent. "But he''s right there!"


    Augustus also thought that Skylar was just fooling around, but when he raised his eyes to look over, he instantly stiffened.


    There was no old man, but what he saw was that the boy''s back was haunted by a strange dark aura!

 Chapter 36 - There鈥檚 Still Hope For Him

    Augustus knew very well that this aura was nothing good.


    He thought about how people usually said that children could sometimes see things adults could not, and instantly understood everything.


    That thing could be seen in broad daylight and had attached itself to a child''s body. Augustus felt that he needed to take care of it.


    Thus, he excused himself to the bathroom and went ahead to approach the child.


    Augustus saw the boy in a room on the second floor along with his parents. He pushed the door and went in without much thought.


    "Do you need something?"


    The boy''s father asked suspiciously when he saw Augustus enter suddenly.


    "Hello, my name is Augustus. I just wanted to inform you about something."


    "What is it?"


    Augustus told them about the black aura.


    However, after listening to Augustus''s story, the boy''s parents only rolled their eyes speechlessly.


    The boy''s mother scolded Augustus sternly. "Ahh, you''re a conman, aren''t you? Do you know who my husband is? He''s one of the most powerful figures in Halmont City''s commerce industry, Evan Steele! You have a lot of guts to come and trick us!"


    Augustus could not help but smile wryly. "I''m not a conman. I''m telling the truth."


    Evan snorted coldly and said solemnly, "Young man, what did you learn in your youth that made you turn out this bad? I''m telling you, I don''t believe what you''re saying at all. You''d better leave now!"


    "That''s right. Our Adrian is perfectly healthy, but you said that he''s sick? I think you''re the one who''s sick!"


    After being treated like a liar and also called sick, Augustus no longer wanted to care about them. However, he still tried to persuade them. "I''m telling you the truth. Your son is fine for now, but when that thing adapts, it''ll be a big problem once something happens!"


    However, just as Augustus finished speaking, the boy''s mother, Natalie Sheppard, was so angry that she threw a glass of water at Augustus.


    "You''re such a vicious liar. When we don''t buy your words, you actually curse my kid instead! Do you think we''re easy to bully?"


    Evan''s expression was also dark. "I''m warning you, you better get out of my sight. Otherwise, I''ll make a phone call and have you sent to jail immediately!"


    Then, Augustus was pushed out of the room, and the door slammed shut with a bam.


    Looking at the locked door, Augustus felt helpless.


    Right before the door closed, he happened to make eye contact with Adrian. The boy''s eyes were cold and stiff, nothing like the eyes a six or seven-year-old child should have.


    It was not a good sign!


    However, he did what he could and advised them. If they did not want to believe him, then there was nothing else he could do.


    Augustus helplessly returned to his seat and continued to eat with his family.


    Forty minutes later, he went to the front desk to get the check.


    At that moment, a scream was suddenly heard from the second floor.


    "Adrian! What''s wrong with you, Adrian?"


    The voice was so loud that it immediately stirred up the crowd.


    Augustus recognized the voice. It was the boy''s mother, Natalie!


    "Oh no, something happened!"


    He rushed upstairs without a word.


    When he arrived at the second-floor room, he saw Adrian lying on the ground, at his last breath. Besides Evan and Natalie, a group of people surrounded them while watching the scene.


    At that moment, Natalie knelt beside Adrian and was at a loss.


    "Who can save my son? Please! Someone, please help!"


    Evan also broke into a cold sweat from anxiousness. "Gentlemen, I''m Evan Steele, one of the most famous figures in Halmont''s commerce industry. I''ll be eternally grateful to anyone who can save my son!"


    Evan Steele?


    The crowd was surprised to hear Evan''s identity. He was a real big shot in Halmont City!


    Before Augustus could squeeze to the front, a woman in a long red dress and high heels ran over.


    The woman was charming, beautiful, and looked only thirty at most, but her body exuded the charm of a mature woman!


    At first glance, everyone immediately recognized her as the lady boss of Halmont Banquet, Rowena Croft.


    "Mr. Steele, I learned first aid before. I can do CPR on him!"


    "Yes yes yes, please hurry!"


    Evan urged her.


    Rowena crouched down and was just about to press Adrian''s chest, but Augustus noticed something and said immediately, "Wait! It''s not a heart problem. You''ll only harm him if you do that!"


    Rowena was so scared that she stopped.


    When Natalie saw that it was Augustus, she was immediately furious. "Stop talking nonsense! If anything happens to Adrian, I''ll throw you into jail!"


    Evan was also irked to see Augustus. "Ms. Croft, ignore him. Hurry up and save my son!"


    Rowena stopped hesitating and quickly performed CPR on Adrian.


    After a few pumps, Adrian woke up suddenly.


    "He''s awake! He''s awake! Thank god!"


    "Thank you, Ms. Croft!"


    Evan and Natalie were overjoyed.


    Natalie glared fiercely at Augustus. "Fortunately, we didn''t listen to a liar like you. Otherwise¡­"


    Before she could finish, the newly awoken Adrian suddenly screamed and picked up a chopstick from the table, and aimed at Rowena''s heart.


    "Watch out!"


    Augustus threw himself at Rowena and managed to avoid a disaster.


    When Adrian missed, he did not wait for the crowd to react and went straight into the room.


    Augustus exclaimed, "Oh no. Stop him!"


    Earlier, Augustus saw that Adrian''s unconsciousness was not that simple. It had nothing to do with his heart. He had been influenced by that thing.


    Initially, it was the best time for Augustus to strike while that thing was napping, but now that Rowena had woken it up, it was completely enraged and would fight until its last breath!


    Before the crowd could react, Adrian jumped over the balcony window!


    "Adrian!"


    Natalie fainted.


    The crowd rushed downstairs. Outside the hotel, they saw Adrian with his nose bleeding and lying motionlessly on the grass.


    Rowena was the first to run over. She placed her slender fingers under his nose and instantly turned pale.


    "He¡­ he''s not breathing¡­"


    Evan''s legs weakened and he fell to the ground.


    Adrian was his only son. This was completely devastating to him!


    The crowd also sighed, feeling that it was truly heartbreaking that the child died like that.


    Natalie had woken up by that point, but when she heard that Adrian was no longer breathing, she almost fainted again.


    "Adrian! My son! Ahhhh¡­"


    Natalie cradled Adrian''s corpse and wept bitterly.


    At that moment, Augustus came forward. "Let me do it. There''s still hope for him!"


    The crowd was stunned at his words.


    He must be joking. The child had stopped breathing. How could there be hope?


    Was he going to bring back the dead?


    Augustus''s expression was heavy. From his consciousness, he finally figured out the present situation.


    Next to Adrian''s corpse, a white-haired old man was trying hard to drag an illusory shadow that looked identical to Adrian out of the corpse!

 Chapter 37 - SoulFixing Needle

    Augustus was shocked. That old man was trying to take Adrian away!


    Although Adrian was not breathing now, he was only on the brink of death. If the old man actually took him away, then it would be troublesome!


    At a critical moment, Augustus did not stop and ponder. He took out a silver needle and stabbed it at Adrian''s Renzhong acupuncture point.


    The Renzhong was the hall of longevity and was used to soothe a person.


    With this needle, Adrian''s soul was fixed in place!


    No matter how strong the old man was, with this Soul-Fixing Needle, he would not be able to touch Adrian.


    However, before Augustus could move on to the next step, Natalie pushed him aside.


    "What are you doing? How dare you touch Adrian when he''s already like this!"


    Augustus explained hastily, "Madam, I can really save your son. Please believe me!"


    The crowd could not bear to watch anymore.


    "The child is already dead! How can you save him?"


    "Stop lying. You''re just acting in front of Mr. Steele!"


    "In order to curry favor with a bigshot, you don''t even spare a child. You''re not human!"


    The people''s vicious taunts stabbed Augustus like a knife.


    Evan grabbed Augustus''s collar with a livid expression. "I''m telling you, I''ll never remember you no matter how grandiose you are! I won''t be polite to you if you dare to touch my son again!"


    Augustus did not want to waste his breath. The Soul-Fixing Needle could only temporarily suppress the soul, but if it was delayed any longer, all his efforts would go down the drain once the needle''s effects expired!


    "Sorry!"


    Augustus pushed Evan away. Then he waved the willow branch he snapped earlier and smacked it on Adrian''s body.


    Thwack thwack thwack!


    Evan''s eyes turned red with anger when he saw this scene.


    His son''s death had already stricken him with grief, but this man refused to give up and even whipped the corpse!


    What a heinous deed!


    "I''ll kill you!"


    However, just as Evan rushed forward, he suddenly saw a black mist flying out from Adrian''s body and instantly dissipated.


    Evan''s spine chilled. For a split second, he clearly saw the face of an old man in that black fog!


    At the same time.


    "Cough cough¡­"


    The deceased Adrian actually coughed twice.


    "Adrian!"


    Natalie was overjoyed and hugged Adrian.


    The crowd was completely stunned.


    He brought the dead back to life!


    He really brought the dead back to life!


    Evan did not dare to believe what was happening, but the iron-clad facts were right in front of him, so he had to believe it.


    When he thought about the black fog just now as well as the old man''s face, he finally understood that Augustus was not a liar and he had good intentions.


    "Benefactor, please accept my bow!"


    Evan immediately knelt in front of Augustus.


    Natalie also knelt down with Adrian in her arms.


    "Mister, I misunderstood you just now. I apologize!"


    Augustus quickly helped them up. "It''s okay. What''s important is that the child is fine."


    "But I still don''t understand. What happened to Adrian?"


    Everything that just happened was too bizarre. Evan could not figure it out.


    There were many eyes watching them, so Augustus took Evan to a corner before saying slowly, "I want to ask you a question first. Did you bring Adrian to a cemetery or anything similar recently?"


    "I don''t think so¡­" Natalie denied it.


    However, Evan thought of something. "We didn''t go to a cemetery, but when we were on our way back from the countryside today, Adrian said that he wanted to pee, so I took him to the roadside. There seemed to be a few deserted graves not far from the place. Could it be¡­"


    "Before Adrian passed out, did he display any abnormal behavior?"


    "Yes!" Natalie was very sure. "Right after the dishes were served, Adrian desperately ate as if he were crazy. He even ate his least favorite pig liver. It was as if he hadn''t eaten for days!"


    Augustus nodded. "I knew it!"


    "Brother Augustus, what''s going on?"


    Augustus then told them his analysis.


    That old man must have attached himself to Adrian when he was peeing by the roadside. The old man probably did not have anything to eat before, so he borrowed Adrian''s body to eat desperately.


    After eating his fill, the old man fell asleep, but Natalie and the others thought Adrian fell into a coma.


    Augustus noticed this, which was why he stopped Rowena from performing the CPR on Adrian.


    The old man could be considered benevolent when he was still unconscious, but when he was woken up, his resentment was so great that it eventually caused Adrian to fall off the building.


    At that time, everyone thought that Adrian died, but it had only been the second floor and there was a line of bushes below, so the possibility of a fatal injury to the body was small. That was why Augustus concluded that Adrian could still be saved!


    After listening to Augustus''s narrative, realization dawned upon Evan and Natalie.


    "I didn''t think that we would mistake such an able person for a fraud! Brother Augustus, I''m really sorry!"


    Augustus waved his hand. "It''s normal that you wouldn''t believe me in that situation. There''s nothing wrong with Adrian''s body anymore, but it''s best to go to the hospital for a checkup."


    "Also, when you have time, go to that roadside and present some offerings, and it should be fine."


    "Thank you," Evan said as he cupped his fists. "After I take care of Adrian, I''ll definitely thank you properly some other day!"


    After saying goodbye to Evan, Augustus remembered that he had not settled the bill yet.


    However, when he went to the front desk, he was told that it was already paid.


    "Did you make a mistake? Who settled it?"


    "I did!"


    Augustus turned around and saw a tall figure in a red dress standing behind him. It was the lady boss, Rowena Croft!"


    "I''m the lady boss of this restaurant. How should I address you?"


    Rowena''s face was beautiful and her eyes were like silk, and her body exuded the charm of a mature woman.


    "Oh, my name is Augustus Cross."


    "Hello, Mr. Cross. It''s very nice to meet you!" Rowena graciously extended her hand.


    Augustus reached out to return the greeting and felt a smoothness in his hand.


    He had to admit that this woman maintained her beauty very well.


    However, Augustus did not dare to have any improper thoughts. He only gently shook her hand and quickly let go.


    Rowena smiled. With her beauty, countless men in Halmont City wanted to win over her affections.


    However, the man in front of her did not have any misconduct. At the very least, he was a gentleman.


    "Earlier, it was thanks to Mr. Cross that I avoided a calamity. It''s also because of Mr. Cross that I wouldn''t need to feel guilty for the rest of my life because of Adrian, so this meal is on me!"


    "How could I possibly¡­"


    "There''s no need to feel reserved. Please accept it or I''ll feel guilty!"


    Seeing Rowena''s persistence, Augustus could not keep refusing. "Then I''ll respectfully accept!"


    "Thank you. In addition¡­"


    Rowena handed a card to Augustus. "This is the platinum card of Summit Corporation. It includes restaurants, hotels, karaoke establishments, and other entertainment venues.


    "In the future, if you spend any money in any shop under Summit Corp, you can enjoy the most honorable treatment with this platinum card! This is just a token of my appreciation, so please accept it."


    Augustus was slightly surprised. He thought that Rowena was just the lady boss of Halmont Banquet, but now it seemed like her establishment was much bigger than he thought!

 Chapter 38 - I鈥檓 Already Outstanding Enough

    After leaving Halmont Banquet, Augustus drove Susan and Skylar home.


    "Daddy, did that old man leave early? I didn''t see him when that older brother came out."


    Skylar asked curiously from the backseat.


    Augustus paused. "Yeah, he probably left early."


    Skylar nodded and did not say more and continued to play with Susan.


    Looking at Skylar in the rearview mirror, Augustus sighed in his heart. It seemed that even the world of children was not that simple.


    The light turned green and when Augustus was about to drive, he froze upon glancing at a roadside restaurant.


    By the floor-to-ceiling window was a familiar figure sitting there eating pasta. It was Jeanne!


    Augustus was confused. Jeanne said that she was going to a trade fair today. Why was she here?


    Then, he saw a young man sitting opposite Jeanne.


    The man wore an expensive suit and his hair was neatly combed, giving him the air of a rich young master.


    When Augustus saw the man''s face, he frowned.


    Jayden Meyer!


    Six years ago, before Augustus married Jeanne, Jayden was a dedicated suitor!


    However, after Jeanne got married to Augustus, Jayden disappeared from Jeanne''s world and was said to have gone abroad.


    Over the years, Augustus had never seen the man appear beside Jeanne, and he did not expect to suddenly see Jayden today!


    Plus, he was with Jeanne!


    Through the window, Jayden was seen handing a piece of cut steak to Jeanne like a gentleman, who smiled and thanked him. Jayden''s gaze was filled with fervor.


    It was an affectionate scene, but it left Augustus''s heart with mixed feelings.


    He wanted to believe that there was nothing between Jeanne and Jayden, but Jeanne told him yesterday that she did not have time to accompany his mother because she had to attend a trade fair. However, she was here eating with another man!


    The iron-clad facts were in front of Augustus, making it hard for him not to think about it.


    His heart surged with anger. He wanted nothing more than to pull over immediately and rush into the restaurant to ask Jeanne for an explanation!


    However, at that moment.


    Beep beep beep¡­


    The car behind him kept honking.


    "Dad, the light is green. It''s our turn to go." Skylar reminded him from the backseat sensibly.


    Only then did Augustus realized that Skylar was still with him!


    Whether Jeanne was innocent or not, he did not want his daughter to see an unhappy scene.


    "Oh, yeah¡­"


    After a final look at the man and woman by the window, Augustus started the car and drove off without looking back.


    At the same time, in the restaurant.


    "Jeanne, the steak in this shop is very good. They''re all flown in from Australia. Try it."


    Jeanne had to admit that Jayden, who came from a wealthy family, was indeed excellent whether in fashion, his mannerism, his temperament, or a generally good taste in everything. It gave him the air of a modest gentleman.


    Jeanne took the steak and smiled politely. "Thank you."


    "There''s no need to be so polite with me." Jayden smiled dotingly, not thinking of himself as an outsider at all.


    Jeanne only smiled as her thoughts wandered.


    She was indeed busy with the trade fair today, but half an hour ago, her mother called and told her to come to Bali Restaurant immediately, saying that she was in big trouble.


    Jeanne was worried that something happened to Liane and immediately dropped all the work on hand and rushed over.


    However, it was just a false alarm. Liane deliberately said that because she wanted to set Jeanne up with Jayden.


    Jeanne wanted to leave, but she was no match for Liane''s threat, so she agreed to finish the meal.


    She looked at her watch. Quite a while had passed since she came out. "Sorry, I still have work to do back at the company later. If there''s nothing else you need me for, I''ll leave now."


    "Of course there is!"


    Jayden put down his cutlery and said with a serious expression, "Jeanne, you know how I feel about you. Although I''ve been abroad all these years, I think of you all the time! My return this time is because I want to be with you!"


    Jeanne sighed helplessly. "Jayden, I appreciate your friendship, but I''m already married. It''s impossible between us!"


    Jayden snickered. "I''ve heard from Aunty. For the past six years, Augustus did nothing except cleaning the house and taking care of the child. Even his pocket money comes from you. A person who relies on a woman to support him can''t be considered a man. How can he give you happiness?"


    Seeing Jeanne fell silent, Jayden thought his words had touched her, so he quickly pressed the point home.


    "Jeanne, six years ago, you said I wasn''t outstanding and not the type you wanted. But is Augustus the type you want?


    "These six years, I''ve desperately improved myself abroad just so I can become good enough to meet your requirements as a partner.


    "Now, I''m the Sales Director of Noray International Pharmaceutical Group, with an annual salary of three million!


    "Jeanne, I''m outstanding enough. I hope that you can divorce that good-for-nothing and give us a chance¡­"


    As Jayden spoke, he reached out to hold Jeanne''s hand.


    However, before he could touch her, she quickly pulled back her hand.


    "Jayden, I think you''ve misunderstood. What I meant by outstanding isn''t what you think it is!


    "Besides, I have a daughter with Augustus. Even if it''s just for Skylar''s sake, I will never divorce Augustus, so don''t waste your time on me in the future!"


    Jeanne said and got up to leave.


    "Jeanne, listen to me¡­"


    Jayden was about to say something, but Jeanne''s phone rang suddenly. It was from the company.


    "Hello, Sara? What''s wrong?"


    Her assistant Sara''s voice sounded urgent. "Director Harrington, bad news. Our goods have been detained by the commerce industry!"


    "Which batch of goods were detained?"


    "All of them!"


    "What¡­" Jeanne''s heart sank.


    At today''s trade fair, Jeanne signed many orders for Harrington Corporation with a value of nearly 100 million!


    According to the contract, these orders had to be delivered within three days. She never expected something like this to happen at such a critical moment!


    "Director Harrington, if we don''t ship the goods out in three days, it''d be a breach of contract and we will have to compensate five times the damages! What should we do now?"


    Five times the compensation was at least 500 million!


    Sara Lawson, the little assistant, was so anxious that she was about to cry.


    Jeanne had been in the business for a long time, so she was calm. "Don''t worry. I''ll go back and deal with it now!"