Chapter 12

After they've done their shopping, Steven and Rose went to the restaurant located on the top floor of Exalted Mall for a meal. "Do you know who owns this restaurant?" Rose asked after taking a seat in the private room. "Of course. I was a scion, after all. It's only natural that I've been here before," Steven said with a smile. The owner of this restaurant was Scarlett Fischer, one of the four grandmasters in Levix City. "Have you met Scarlett Fischer, then?" Rose inquired. Steven shook his head and said, "I've heard that Madam Fischer holds the most seniority among the four grandmasters. Even so, she's the most elusive. Few people have had the chance to meet her. "The other three grandmasters either struck out on their own and took on apprentices or kept watch from a position of significant power. She, however, opened a restaurant and studied culinary. It's quite unconventional." Rose continued to ask, "How old do you think she is?" "Judging by her name, she seems about our age. But, given her seniority, she's probably in her 50s or 60s?" Steven deduced. "Well, you are mistaken. I got to meet her once. She looks to be in her 20s," Rose said, lowering her voice. "That can't be. Rumor has it that the four grandmasters are all elderly. Are they not?" Steven was doubtful. It was mostly luck that had allowed him to take the Heavenly Archeus pill and become a master at his age. It would be extremely difficult for the average person to become a master in their 20s. "You said it. That's a rumor. You can't trust rumors. Many people have never met her. They just made that assumption based on their feelings. Besides, Scarlett is beautiful," Rose added cheekily. Still dubious, Steven asked, "How beautiful? She can't be prettier than you, can she?" "If that's your question, I think I'm prettier, of course. I am the most beautiful person in the world." Rose puffed up her chest slightly, proudly showing off her figure. "I agree," Steven said. Unexpectedly, Rose moved closer to him, blinked, and asked, "So you're saying that I'm more beautiful than Marrie?" "Ah… Well…" Steven was immediately at a loss for words. "Is she not your enemy?" Rose asked, pretending to be displeased. "We're enemies, but that has nothing to do with her beauty, does it?" Steven was sweating bullets. He had slept with Marrie before, so he couldn't possibly say that she was not beautiful. However, there was no way he could tell Rose that. Moreover, he thought Marrie was quite luscious and pretty. Despite having given birth before, her figure was unchanged. It had left no trace on her body. Rather, it gave her an air of maturity and sophisticated charm, making her even more alluring. "Can't you just lie and indulge me?" Rose pouted, feigning anger. "Oh… Well… I can do that…" Steven hesitated. "Forget it. You don't mean that." Rose turned her head away, then quickly turned back and asked, "Are all men more drawn to mature women like Marrie?" "Uh… That… Well…" Steven stumbled over his words again. "Let's place our order. I'm getting hungry." He quickly changed the subject. Their conversation was at an impasse. All of Rose's questions were too tough for him. After the meal, Zachary arrived in a car to take Rose home. Rose gave Steven her car keys. "You can use my car for the time being. Having a car makes things easier. Also, tomorrow is my father's birthday. He'll be having a birthday celebration. It would be great if you could join us, Mr. Lewis." "We'll see. I'm not keen on events like this." Steven did not agree right away. "Marrie and Cavin will probably be there. Don't you want to take them down a peg?" Rose tried to entice him. "Alright, I'll be there on time," Steven agreed, thinking it was time for him to confront Cavin and Marrie as well. Steven left Exalted Mall in Rose's car. Instead of returning to Imperial Villas, he headed to Marrie's home. Everything Marrie had done and how she had tarnished his reputation by claiming that he was a drug user and a gambler came to his mind. He felt aggrieved, and his rage grew. He must teach her another lesson. Meanwhile, at Imperial Villas No. 19, the Lurk residence, Fiona walked into Cavin's study. "Dad, Mom, I met Steven today." "Oh? He's back?" Cavin was bewildered. "Mhm." Fiona nodded. "That poor kid, what a shame. The death of his parents was hard on him. He couldn't recover after that and turned to drugs and gambling. Just like that, his life was ruined. "I have much to answer for, by the way. I let the late Frank Lewis down," Cavin sighed. "There's nothing to feel bad about. He deserved it. Good thing the boy is incapacitated. Otherwise, our daughter would've found herself in a hellhole if she married him," Cavin's wife, Pinky Yael, said with a frown. "Mom's right. He let himself go. What does that have to do with us?" Fiona huffed. "How is he? Why didn't you bring him home? Even though the engagement has been called off, he is still my sworn brother's son. I should look out for him. I can't let him stay with Marrie. "I suspect he ended up like this because of Marrie's schemes. She deliberately let him run loose, called off the engagement, and then sent him overseas, all to keep Stellar Group to herself." Marrie had publicly stated that Steven struggled with substance abuse and gambling. She claimed he was hopeless and that she had sent him abroad to toughen him up. No one knew Steven had been imprisoned and tortured in her basement for two years. "Dad, you don't have to worry about him. He's doing great. He picked up a wealthy and powerful woman and is now her boy toy," Fiona jeered. "Stop talking nonsense," Cavin said. "I'm not. I saw it with my own eyes." At once, Fiona recounted the events of that afternoon. However, she didn't disclose what had happened after George showed up. She had lost, after all. It was somewhat embarrassing. After listening to her, Cavin stood up, his brow furrowed in frustration. "Jack said Steve is a third-grade expert? He never learned to fight. How did he become a third-level expert in just two years?" Cavin asked. "How would I know? Regardless, he injured Jack with only two moves. He probably picked up some skills," Fiona replied dismissively. Stroking his beard, Cavin began to ponder. "In any case, it's good that he learned some skills to protect himself. Go find him later and ask him to come home. I want to see him," Cavin ordered. "I don't want to see him. He can stay a gigolo, while I will stay a lady. There will be no more ties between us from now on," Fiona dismissed Cavin's words. With that, she skulked out of Cavin's study. "That brat. She's becoming more and more defiant. It's all because of your coddling," Cavin said, his expression darkening. "Fee is right. It is none of our business that he is a gigolo. Don't be so worried about him. You should focus your energy on the company. The company is in trouble. It will become quite bothersome if you do not resolve it promptly." Pinky had nothing but contempt for Steven. "Camden Hoffman, that old crook, is on our heels. We're no match for him! I'm afraid we will have to take the money and give up on the business if we can't hold on." Exhausted and listless, Cavin rubbed his temples as he spoke. "Sincere Group is your life's work. How can you just give it away? Besides, Camden is not the most powerful person in Levix City." Comforting Cavin, Pinky continued, "It's Mr. Miller's birthday tomorrow. Let's attend his birthday celebration. If we can get involved with the Miller family, everything will be solved easily. This is our only chance!" "It's not that easy! We've tried to cozy up to the Miller family many times before, but we've never succeeded. Now that Marrie is working with them, she'd never let us get a piece of the action." After drawing a deep breath, Cavin declared, his eyes resolute, "Still, in any case, I should put up a good fight and show up."