Chapter 4

"Let's eat."

After Theophilus finished cooking, he set the table, and the family sat around in silence.

"Theophilus, you heard what Jena said today…" Ariel looked at Theophilus seriously.

"Mom!" Dulcie put down her chopsticks: "I won't divorce Theophilus because of others' coercion."

"What? Do you like him?" Ariel glared at her daughter: "Don't you know the state of your father's factory? Months behind in workers' wages, on the brink of bankruptcy? Will we all end up living in the wind?"

"And more, do you think this is simple? Theophilus offended Jena and her husband, even hit Orborne." Ariel angrily said: "They will take their anger out on our family! Divorce is the best option now, don't let this useless man drag us down anymore!"

Dulcie bit her lip, saying nothing.

Seeing her daughter's reaction, Ariel sternly said: "Anselm, why are you still sitting there? Advise your daughter!"

Anselm's face was resigned, he too remained silent.

Theophilus finished a small bowl of rice, cleared the table, and returned to his room.

He crossed his legs, sitting on the bed.

Meditating had been his habit for over a decade, regardless of the outside world's circumstances – whether it was windy or sunny. His heart remained unshaken.

He imagined himself as a bowl of water with magical properties, clear and untainted, worldly matters being like dirt in the water, which eventually would settle at the bottom.

After about seven minutes, Theophilus suddenly reached for a black pebble at the head of the bed, his fingers trembling slightly. In a single breath, the pebble turned to dust, falling through the gaps of his fingers...

"Internal energy has successfully condensed." Theophilus whispered, excitement in his eyes.

His master had once said, only when he had cultivated internal energy could he be considered a true successor of Mysterious Royal-X.

Only then could he leave the mountains, carrying the Jade Amulet Command to Radiant Harbor to find the James family. With this, he could freely control precious medicines, wealth, and manpower. The path of martial arts was boundless; only after achieving internal power could he connect with people from the ancient martial arts world, seeking higher achievements and pursuing the pinnacle of life.

Mysterious Royal-X had numerous enemies; revealing anything before this moment would have endangered his life!

"Internal energy has condensed; finally, I can leave the mountain." In Theophilus's hand was a bright green Jade Amulet Command, a sharp glint in his eyes.

…

The next day.

As Theophilus stepped out of the Groundswell apartment complex, he was intercepted by a black Bentley.

"Does your father have to show up before you're willing to discuss the affairs of the Alexander family?"

A middle-aged man in dark blue attire stepped out of the car, his face expressionless as he looked at Theophilus. He had a robust physique, a sharply defined face with a straight nose and bright, lively eyes, exuding an air of extreme authority and presence.

There was a striking resemblance between his features and those of Theophilus.

"Huh, I didn't expect you to come to me personally." Theophilus said with a cold laugh.

Despite the years of separation, he recognized the man before him – his biological father, Gideon Alexander.

"I know you don't want to see me, and that's fine. But are you even unwilling to meet your grandfather for the last time?" Gideon said.

Theophilus was silent for a moment. In the Alexander family, only his grandfather had treated him kindly. He still remembered his grandfather's benevolent face from his childhood years.

"Let's find a place to talk." Gideon continued.

…

Thirty minutes later, at a hotel, on the 26th floor.

In a large conference room, only Gideon and Theophilus sat facing each other.

"Your grandfather has been bedridden with a serious illness for two years now, his health deteriorating day by day. Even in his sickbed, he always talks about you, wanting to see you." Gideon spoke slowly: "Your oldest uncle and third uncle have only daughters, all married off. You are the only one left in the next generation of the Alexander family."

"The only heir to the Alexander family..." Theophilus sneered sarcastically: "So, you want me to be your pawn in the battle for the family fortune?"

"You're oversimplifying things." Gideon said coldly: "Our Alexander family has a vast fortune and an ancient martial arts lineage with many branches. According to our rules, if there is no successor in the third generation after the head of the family passes away, another branch will take over. Then, our branch of the Alexander family will lose its leadership!"

"And how does that concern me?" Theophilus replied indifferently.

"Your grandfather has been seriously ill for years now, and your uncles' branches have begun to vie for control of the family power. They have already schemed in this regard. Do you really want to act impulsively and let the lifetime achievements of your grandfather be usurped, even disturbing his peace in his last moments?" Gideon questioned, his tone one of bitter disappointment.

Theophilus frowned slightly and let out a cold laugh.

He knew all too well what kind of person Gideon was – someone who would stop at nothing for power, completely disregarding familial affection.

If it weren't for his grandfather's severe illness and his shaky position in the Alexander family, why would the second prince of the Alexanders lower himself to come to Elysian Echo City to find him?

"Theophilus, do you really want to spend your life in this small Miller house, being humiliated by others?" Gideon spoke slowly, clearly having investigated Theophilus's living conditions after finding him.

"Yesterday, at the Miller family wedding, you had to endure such humiliation, even lacking the strength to retaliate." Gideon said: "Don't you want to take control for yourself? Don't you want to take revenge on them?"

"Just agree, and you will be able to make everyone in the Miller family kneel before you!" Gideon led the conversation step by step.

Theophilus shook his head, showing no expression.

Gideon, coldly, said: "You're still young, don't let a moment of anger bury a lifetime of wealth and glory. You haven't yet savored the flavor of power. Wait until you make each member of the Miller family kneel before you, then you'll understand how exhilarating it feels!"

"I know you hate me, and you can hate me for your entire life, refusing to acknowledge me as your father." Gideon spoke solemnly: "What you need to do is return to the Alexander house, acknowledge your grandfather, and then claim what rightfully belongs to you from the Alexander family. Do what you wish with it, and that will be enough. Such a simple condition, a chance to rise to the top – can you really refuse it?"

Theophilus calmly replied: "I don't need your help."