The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection
Billionaire With Husband 32

Chapter 32

Warren's expression shifted. His deep love for antiques had honed his eye for detail far beyond the average person's

Sasha was confused when she noticed that the porcelain teapot seemed a bit different from what she remembered. But deep down, she knew it was the same teapot. She couldn't help but scoff inwardly.

Did Felix really believe that a few cosmetic alterations could somehow make it more valuable? She thought he was such a fool and dismissed him as nothing more than a country bumpkin.

"Yeah, Dad! This is pretty pricey. I actually saw Felix drop a whopping 5,000 dollars on it at the antiques market. He's so considerate, isn't he?"

The sarcasm in her voice was impossible to miss, and Milo laughed right on cue.

"5,000 dollars? Felix, that's an insult to Uncle Warren! Every guest here brings gifts worth tens, even hundreds of thousands of dollars! How could you "

"Shut up!" Warren cut him off sharply. In a deep voice, he said, "It's the thought that counts. Do gifts always have to be judged by their price? Who told you such nonsense? I actually like this porcelain teapot. Now, everyone, back to your seats!" No one dared to argue, though their eyes still betrayed their disdain.

Warren hadn't examined the teapot closely. Felix decided to leave it at that and took his seat.

• Meanwhile, Perry arrived at a building steeped in old-world charm in Avesburgh. Ted was with him, one arm dangling limply at his side.

Though Xander's treatment had eased the pain, Ted was now resigned to the harsh reality of having only one functional arm. The thought of it filled him with rage.

"Calm down. You can't meet Lord Kane looking like that."

Ted forced himself to rein in his emotions at Perry's words. He hadn't anticipated that Perry would bring him directly to Kane rather than sending someone else. This could only mean one thing-Felix was as good as dead. There was no other possible outcome. Kane was the undisputed underground lord of Avesburgh, a man so powerful that even Perry had to go out of his way to stay in his good graces. It was a clear indication of just how formidable Kane truly was. "Dad, why didn't we tell Xena?" Ted asked.

Perry frowned. "Don't be foolish! Xena's family, yes, but she's already done more than enough for us. If we run to her with every little problem, we'll look completely useless. Remember this-only in truly exceptional circumstances should we involve Xena!" As they entered the main hall, they were met with the figure of a burly middle-aged man seated in a wooden armchair at the head of the room. His hair was slicked back, and though his gaze was perfectly calm, Ted couldn't summon the courage to meet his eyes. He couldn't help but be awed. Even though he had encountered Kane several times before, he still found his gaze deeply unsettling.

"Lord Kane."

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Chapter 32

Kane offered a faint smile. "Have a seat. You must have a reason for coming here. Perry, we're on the same side now, so speak freely."

Perry pointed at Ted, his voice filled with anger. "A martial arts master severed Ted's arm, and even the top healer says it's beyond repair. I'm asking you to avenge Ted. After all, you're the best there is."

Kane glanced at Ted's limp arm and nodded. "If even the master healer says it can't be saved, then your opponent must be truly powerful. Since you've come to me, how could I possibly refuse?"

He suddenly stood up, startling Perry. "Lord Kane, you..."

"My friend, since you've asked, I'll take care of this personally. I'll have him lying at Ted's feet like a dead dog by midnight."

Ted clenched his fists in response to Kane's words.