Chapter 41: Chapter 41 - Raw Power
Victor didn’t refuse my request; despite following the Hill family, he clearly held them in contempt.
"The Hill family’s main source of assets is health products, though like most wealthy families nowadays, they’ve diversified into real estate," Victor explained to me.
"Health products?" I raised an eyebrow and scoffed.
This was precisely my area of expertise. With just one formula, I could bring the Hill family to its knees!
"Mr. Raymond, why not let the Sean family assist you with this?" Victor asked, puzzlement evident in his voice.
"For the Taylors, perhaps just one word would be enough to bankrupt the Hill family," I replied, shaking my head. "But you can’t always rely on others for everything. Only when you’re capable yourself can you truly earn respect."
If I depended on Mabel Sean for everything, what right would I have to propose marriage to someone from her family? My three years with the Johnsons had taught me that facing inequality strips away all dignity.
"There’s something else I want to ask you," I continued.
"Who taught you your fighting skills?" I questioned.
Victor’s strength surpassed anyone I’d encountered so far. Even at my Second-Layer Qi Refining stage, I couldn’t match him.
Victor remained quiet momentarily before offering a bitter smile. "I studied under the southeast sect, but unfortunately, my strength was deemed too weak, so they expelled me."
"Too weak?" I couldn’t hide my surprise.
If Victor was considered inadequate, how formidable must this Southeastern Sect be?
"The Southeast Sect also practices inner strength," Victor elaborated. "My level would be considered Eighth-rank Inner Strength at most."
"For them, anyone below Inner Strength Master isn’t qualified." Regret shadowed Victor’s face.
This revelation sparked my curiosity. Through our conversation, I learned that an Inner Strength Master in the Southeast Sect was merely a beginner. Above that existed Inner Strength Greatmasters and even Grandmasters.
Those with exceptional strength either dominated specific regions or joined elite families.
"Actually, Miss Sean would know more about this," Victor mentioned.
His words stirred a sense of unease within me.
"I need to enhance my strength as soon as possible," I thought silently.
The next day, the Hill family broadcast significant news throughout River City: Anyone conducting business with Mason Raymond would be considered an enemy of the Hill family!
This announcement created tremendous upheaval. Within just twenty-four hours, dozens of people visited the Hill family mansion.
Most were local River City entrepreneurs hoping to curry favor with the powerful Hills.
I didn’t particularly care, as I had few business connections anyway. Their allegiances mattered little to me.
By evening, my phone rang unexpectedly.
The caller was Theo Williams.
"Mr. Raymond, my father wishes to invite you to dinner. Would you be available tonight?" Theo asked politely.
I couldn’t help laughing. "Your father? I have no connection with him. If you need something, just say it directly."
Theo responded with evident discomfort. "You see right through everything. My father does need your assistance. If convenient, let’s meet and discuss."
After brief consideration, I agreed. "Alright."
Barely fifteen minutes later, Theo personally drove to the Dragon Rising Community.
His face appeared haggard, his usual vitality diminished.
When he spotted Victor, his expression changed noticeably.
"Mr. Raymond, why is he here?" Theo asked warily.
I smiled, patted Victor’s shoulder, and declared, "He works for me now."
Theo froze, seemingly struggling to process this information.
"Let’s not dwell on that," I gestured dismissively. "Let’s go."
I climbed into Theo’s Mercedes-Benz G63, an impressive vehicle that commanded respect on the streets. Most cars immediately yielded to it.
Just as we approached the community gates, another vehicle abruptly cut us off.
Theo frowned, about to speak when Harvey Brown lowered his window.
"Well, isn’t this Theo Williams?" Harvey remarked smugly.
Theo’s frown deepened. "Harvey Brown? What do you want?"
Harvey smirked. "Nothing really. I just heard the Williams family’s struggling lately? Word is all your business partners terminated their contracts?"
Theo’s expression turned cold as he maintained silence.
Harvey continued gleefully, "Mr. Hill’s hosting a dinner party tonight. I’m guessing you weren’t invited, were you?"
"That’s none of your business. Move your car!" Theo demanded icily.
Harvey snorted. "Why pretend, Theo? Mr. Hill has openly declared he wants your family bankrupt! Still think you’re the richest around?"
Inside the car, I couldn’t help but frown.
I lowered my window, fixed Harvey with a cold stare, and said, "Move your car. I won’t repeat myself."
"Oh, Mason Raymond’s here too?" Seeing me, Harvey’s smile widened further.
I said nothing more. I simply pushed open the door and stepped out.
Witnessing this, Harvey quickly scrambled back into his vehicle and locked the doors.
"What, planning to hit me? Go ahead, try it," Harvey taunted.
I nodded, reached for the car door, and with one sudden forceful pull, tore it completely off with a deafening crack!
In the next second, despite the locks, the car door came away in my hands!
