Chapter 193: Chapter 193 - Loyal Stand
Uncle Armando’s face hardened at Maeve Lucas’s words.
"Do you know who this is? Speak politely!" Uncle Armando barked.
Maeve Lucas sneered, "I don’t care who you are! Can any friend of Mason Raymond have anything good going on? Are you leaving or not? Don’t blame me for being rude if you don’t go!"
She grabbed a broom and swung it aggressively at Conrad Schroeder.
"You insignificant insects dare to shout at me? You’re courting death!" Conrad’s large hand moved in a swift wave, sending Maeve Lucas flying across the room.
Holmes Lucas’s face contorted with horror. He rushed to cradle his wife in his arms and cried out in anguish, "Wife!!"
But Maeve had already stopped breathing, showing no signs of life.
Conrad Schroeder fixed his cold stare on Holmes Lucas, seemingly waiting for his next move.
Surprisingly, Holmes Lucas showed no intention of seeking revenge. Instead, he dropped to his knees with a heavy thud.
"W...we didn’t recognize your greatness. Please spare my life..." Holmes stammered, trembling visibly.
Conrad Schroeder and Uncle Armando exchanged glances before breaking into cold laughter.
"Spineless thing, no wonder Mason Raymond ran away!" Conrad sneered.
"Tell me, where is Mason Raymond?" Uncle Armando demanded coldly.
Holmes Lucas shook his head frantically, "I don’t know. We haven’t had any connection with Mason Raymond for a long time. However... I know where he usually lives!"
"Tell me," Uncle Armando commanded.
"He lives in the central villa of Longyue Community!" Holmes blurted desperately.
Conrad and Uncle Armando exchanged meaningful looks before departing.
Holmes remained seated on the ground, gazing at Maeve’s lifeless body with pain etched on his face.
"Damn this Mason Raymond! You brought this on my entire family!" Holmes roared at the sky through gritted teeth.
Conrad Schroeder and Uncle Armando arrived at Mason Raymond’s residence shortly after. The place stood empty, though elegantly furnished.
Conrad violently kicked the door open and strode into the villa.
"Leonardo, spread the word that I, Conrad Schroeder, invite the celebrities of River City to gather here," Conrad stated indifferently.
Uncle Armando nodded promptly, "Yes."
That same day, every notable figure in River City received invitations.
Woods Walters, Mason Raymond’s right-hand man, was among the first. His expression darkened as he examined the invitation.
"Woods, you absolutely can’t go! This is definitely a trap!" one of Woods’s followers exclaimed.
"Yeah, if you go, Conrad Schroeder won’t let you live!"
Woods felt genuine fear grip him. Conrad Schroeder possessed a formidable reputation throughout Chuzzle. When Conrad first gained fame, Woods had been nothing but a small-time operator.
Clenching the invitation, Woods stood up with determination. "Someone in River City has to take a stand. Otherwise, who knows what Conrad Schroeder might do."
In that moment, Woods displayed unexpected responsibility. He also feared that ignoring the invitation might endanger his family.
"Who’s willing to go with me?" Woods surveyed the room.
None of his followers spoke up.
Woods shook his head with a bitter smile. "Well, I’ll go alone."
"Woods, I’ll go with you." Kenneth suddenly stood up.
Woods patted Kenneth’s shoulder gratefully. "Good brother. If we survive this, I’ll definitely promote you!"
By evening, all of River City’s prominent figures had gathered at Longyue Community. Fear and unease permeated the atmosphere as people huddled together, speaking in hushed tones.
"It’s all because of this Mason Raymond! This bastard ran away and left us to face the consequences!"
"Yeah, I knew he wasn’t any good!"
"Mason Raymond is just a coward. He doesn’t even have the courage to face Conrad Schroeder. He’s worthless!"
"Whoever speaks nonsense again, so help me, I’ll tear their mouth apart!"
The sudden voice cut through the murmurs.
Turning their heads, the crowd saw Woods Walters and Kenneth approaching.
Everyone fell silent, still harboring fear toward Woods.
Woods scanned the crowd coldly. "You all profited from the Soul Nourishment Pills, didn’t you? Why were you silent when making money? Now you’re full of criticism!"
Though no one responded openly, they silently cursed Woods in their hearts.
Woods snorted dismissively before entering the villa with Kenneth.
Once Woods was out of earshot, the crowd resumed their verbal attacks. "What’s he pretending for? Just a lapdog!"
"This Woods Walters is Mason Raymond’s number one lackey! Let’s see how long his arrogance lasts!"
Inside the villa, Conrad Schroeder occupied an elevated position, looking down on everyone present.
To Conrad, these so-called celebrities were merely insignificant insects, unworthy of consideration.
The room remained silent; no one dared speak.
"What is your relationship with Mason Raymond?" Uncle Armando finally broke the silence.
People rushed to respond, "Mr. Schroeder, we have no connection to Mason Raymond!"
"That’s right! We’ve disliked him for ages!"
"Please, Mr. Schroeder, eliminate this menace for us!"
The crowd competed to diminish Mason’s reputation.
Conrad Schroeder savored their desperation. He relished being flattered and looking down on others from his position of power.
"Those who know the current affairs are wise men. As long as you sever ties with Mason Raymond, our Schroeder Family won’t harm you," Uncle Armando stated coldly.
"Rest assured, that Mason Raymond is just a stray dog! Who would value him?"
"Exactly, Mason Raymond isn’t even qualified to be compared to you!"
"We are willing to follow Mr. Schroeder!"
"Follow me?" Conrad raised his eyebrows skeptically.
He sneered, "Do you think you’re worthy?"
An awkward silence descended upon the room.
"In my eyes, you’re all just crawling insects. I’m in a good mood, so I won’t crush you," Conrad stated coldly.
The assembled "celebrities" of River City looked thoroughly embarrassed.
"Mr. Schroeder is right!" someone shouted desperately.
"We’re just insignificant insects. It’s a blessing to even see Mr. Schroeder!"
Witnessing their servile behavior, Woods Walters inwardly cursed repeatedly.
"Who called Woods Walters?" Uncle Armando suddenly demanded, scanning the crowd.
All eyes turned toward Woods.
Woods’s expression shifted slightly, but he steeled himself and stood. "Mr. Schroeder, I am Woods Walters..."
"I heard you have a good relationship with Mason Raymond?" Conrad squinted menacingly.
Woods’s heart raced, leaving him momentarily speechless.
"That’s right, Mr. Schroeder, Woods Walters is Mason Raymond’s loyal lackey!"
"Yes, just now at the door, he boasted that once Mason Raymond returns, he would kill you as easily as killing a dog!"
"Mr. Schroeder, you can’t let him live!"
