121 Chapter 121 – Beyond the Polite Facade
I walked into the Lane family villa knowing exactly what awaited me. The grand hall was impressive–marble floors polished to a mirror shine, ornate columns supporting a vaulted ceiling, and artwork that probably cost more than most people make in a lifetime. But I wasn’t here to admire the décor. 10
Blaze Lane’s eyes tracked my every movement like a predator sizing up its prey. His son Asher stood beside him, bruised face twitching with poorly concealed rage. The lean man to Blaze’s left–undoubtedly his enforcer–maintained a professional stillness that spoke of years of violence.
“Please, sit,” Blaze gestured to a chair positioned across from him. His voice was smooth, cultured–the practiced tone of someone used to getting his way through charm before resorting to force. “Tea?”
I took the seat, noting how it had been placed to ensure I’d be looking up at him. A servant appeared with a steaming pot and poured two cups of fragrant tea. Power plays within power plays.
“Thank you for welcoming me into your home,” I said, matching his false courtesy.
Asher shifted uncomfortably, clearly itching to skip the formalities. A purple bruise bloomed across his cheek where I’d struck him yesterday. The sight gave me a small measure of satisfaction.
“I must say, Mr. Knight, you’ve caused quite a stir in South City,” Blaze remarked, lifting his cup with practiced grace. “For someone so new to our community, you’ve made quite an impression.”+
I sipped my tea. “I tend to have that effect.”
reach his eyes”
It makes one curious about
your
Blaze’s smile didn’t background.” He leaned back, affecting a casual pose. “I understand you were raised as an orphan?”
“That’s correct.”
“And yet you’re here, challenging established families and displaying considerable… talents.” He tapped his fingers against the armrest. “One can’t help but wonder where
121 Chapter 121–Beyond the Polite Pagade
such abilities come from.”
I set my cup down. “Are we here to discuss my personal history, or the herbs you promised?”
“Patience, Mr. Knight. When conducting business, I like to know who I’m dealing with His gaze sharpened. “For instance, your connection to the Ashworth family.”
So that was it. He was fishing for information about my backing. Smart move–if I had powerful protectors, moving against me would have consequences.
“What makes you think I’m connected to the Ashworths?” I asked.
Blaze’s smile widened fractionally. “Word travels. Miss Ashworth’s actions in Havenwood City were quite… noteworthy. Her confrontation with the Hawthorne family over someone of your description raised eyebrows in certain circles.”
I maintained a neutral expression, though I felt a pang at the mention of Isabelle. How much did he know about what had happened? How much was speculation?
“The Ashworth family is indeed powerful,” I conceded. “But if you’re asking whether they would intervene on my behalf, the answer is no. I stand alone.”
A gleam of satisfaction flickered in Blaze’s eyes. He believed he’d confirmed my vulnerability. Good.
“How refreshingly honest,” he said, setting his teacup down with a soft clink. “Most in your position would bluff.”
“I have no need for bluffs.”
“Bold words for a man surrounded by my guards.” Blaze gestured around the room. “Tell me, what brought you to South City, Mr. Knight? Surely not just to challenge my
son.”
“I came for business opportunities,” I replied truthfully.
“In pharmaceuticals? Or perhaps… other ventures?” His tone suggested he knew more than he was letting on.
“My interests are diverse.”
Blaze nodded slowly. “I see. Well, South City operates differently from Havenwood,
121 Chapter 121 Beyond the Polito Facade
Here, respect for established hierarchies Is… essential for successful business.”
The conversation was growing tiresome. Every word was calculated, every question al probe for weakness. He was stalling, perhaps waiting for more men to arrive, or simply enjoying the game.
“Mr. Lane,” I said firmly, “I believe we had an agreement. Your son wagered a Hundred–Year Medicine King herb, which I won fairly. I’ve come to collect:”
Something in my tone must have conveyed my impatience. Blaze’s expression hardened, the veneer of politeness thinning.
“Yes, about that agreement…” He leaned forward. “My son was hasty. Such rare herbs aren’t his to gamble away.”
“Then he shouldn’t have offered them.”
“Perhaps not. But here we are,” Blaze’s eyes narrowed. “I’m curious, Mr. Knight. What would a newcomer like yourself want with such a rare medicinal herb? Planning to sell it, perhaps?”
I met his gaze steadily. “My purposes are my own.”
The enforcer–who had remained silent throughout–shifted slightly. His hand moved closer to what I assumed was a concealed weapon. The atmosphere in the room changed, the pretense of civility evaporating like morning mist under a harsh sun.
“I’ve been patient with you, Mr. Knight,” Blaze said, his voice dropping to a dangerous
- n. I’ve welcomed you register. “I’ve entertained your little victory over my impulsive into my home when many would have sent assassins instead.”
“Your hospitality is noted,” I replied dryly.
“But now, I think we can dispense with the charade.” Blaze sat back, his mask of courtesy finally slipping away. “You came to my territory, humiliated my son, and now expect me to honor a foolish wager? You’re either incredibly naive or dangerously overconfident.”
I smiled slightly. “Which do you think?”
My calm response clearly unnerved him. People like Blaze Lane were used to others cowering before their power.
121 Chapter 121 Beyond the Polite Facade
“I think you’re a man who doesn’t know his place,” he snapped. “Coming here alone, without protection… did you honestly believe I would simply hand over one of the rarest medicinal herbs in existence because you won some public spectacle?”
“I believed you might value your family’s honor and reputation,” I said. “My mistake”
Blaze’s face darkened with anger. “Honor? You speak to me of honor? You–a nobody. an orphan with no name, no backing, no history worth mentioning?”
I remained silent, letting his rage build. Each second that passed was bringing us closer to the inevitable confrontation.
“Let me explain how things work in South City, Mr. Knight,” Blaze continued, abandoning all pretense of courtesy. “Power dictates everything. And in this room, I hold all the power.”
He snapped his fingers, and a servant appeared carrying a small wooden box and a document. “Here are your options. Sign this contract transferring all rights to your pharmaceutical formulations to Lane Enterprises, and I might let you leave with your limbs intact.”
I glanced at the contract without touching it. “And the herbs?”
Blaze laughed, the sound sharp and mocking. “The herbs are in this box. Consider it an advance on our new partnership. Once you sign, they’re yours to study–under my company’s supervision, of course.”
I reached for the box, causing the enforcer to tense. Ignoring him, I opened it and examined the contents: three Hundred–Year Medicine King specimens, their surfaces glowing with a faint amber luminescence that marked their authenticity.
“These will do nicely,” I said, closing the box and taking it.
Blaze’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Then you’ll sign?”
“No.” I stood up, box in hand. “But I will be taking these, as agreed.”
The enforcer stepped forward, his hand moving to his jacket. “Sir, you misunderstand
the situation.”
“I understand perfectly,” I replied, eyes fixed on Blaze. “Your boss made a tactical error. He invited me in, confirmed his son’s debt, and showed me the payment. Now he’s trying to change the terms.”
121 Chapter 121 Beyond the Polite Facade
Blaze’s face flushed with anger. “You think you can walk out of here with those herbs? Look around you, fool!”
I glanced around calmly. Three guards had moved to block the exit, while others had hands on their weapons.
“Your arrogance is astounding” Blaze continued, his mask of civility completely gone. “Did you really think I’d let some upstart walk into my home and dictate terms to me? Did you imagine I wouldn’t investigate you? Learn about your pathetic history as a live–in son–in–law in Havenwood?”
So he had done his research. I wondered how much he truly knew.
“You’re nothing!” he spat. “A temporary curiosity who managed one lucky victory. In South City, that buys you nothing.”
I tucked the box under my arm. “Are we done with the speeches? I have other appointments today.”
Blaze’s face contorted with rage. “Ortega,” he barked to the enforcer, “teach our guest why no one steals from the Lane family.”
The enforcer–Ortega–cracked his knuckles, a thin smile stretching across his face. “With pleasure, sir.”
The three guards by the door moved forward, surrounding me in a loose triangle. I could feel their confidence, their certainty that I was outnumbered and outmatched. “Last chance, Mr. Knight,” Blaze said, leaning back to enjoy the show. “Put down the box, sign the contract, and perhaps you’ll only lose a finger or two as a reminder of your manners.”
I looked at each of the men preparing to attack me and felt my internal energy begin to stir. The familiar warmth spread through my meridians, power building like a gathering storm.
“I’ve been polite,” I said quietly. “I’ve followed your social protocols. I’ve indulged your posturing.”
Ortega lunged forward, hand extended to grab me.
I met Blaze’s eyes one last time. “But now I think we’re beyond the polite facade.”
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As the three men attacked simultaneously, I released a massive surge of spiritual power that sent ripples through the air around us. The calm expression on my face never changed as I prepared to show Blaze Lane exactly who he had invited into his
home.
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