Ch. 2021..2030

Chapter 2021

Then, he proceeded to look at Cole very disappointedly and said, "I poured my heart and soul t o nurture you and bring you up into a refined man with good academic performance. But, alas, I suppose bad habits are hard to change. You're just as boorish and rude as your father!"

Cole said impatiently, "Don't be so long-winded, Old Man. Quick, tell us more about the secret technique that summons poisonous snakes. What's up with that?"

Once they got back to that subject, Grand Old Master Yorks' expression became extraordinarily solemn.

"It's a long story."

"Then please take your time," said Cole as he picked up the cup and took a sip of coffee.

Grand Old Master Yorks said, "Originally, the Yorks were a great big family who lived on the foot of Mount Pearl. My papa had four other brothers and two older sisters. Each of the households had four children, and in ours, I was the youngest one. I had two older brothers and an older sister. Initially, our family lived a happy and peaceful life."

When he reached this point, there was a sorrowful

look on his face.

"The men in the Yorks family had to go up the mountain to gather firewood and hunt every day. At that time, Mount Pearl was still largely untouched and undeveloped, so there were plenty of wild beasts around. Every time we went hunting, many young and strong men would gather together to do it. Everyone was alive and well even after so many years. Although we'd occasionally encounter ferocious beasts and there were, of course, incidents of beasts wounding our men, generally, everything was under control.

"Until one day, my dad came back from hunting and brought back a woman who seemed to be on her last dying breath. Her face had already turned blue, and she was heavily pregnant. She had wounds all over her body. My mama had scolded my papa for it. She was worried that the lady would die in our house and bring us bad luck. But my papa was kind and replied to her that if he didn't save this woman, he would be giving up on two lives.

Grand Old Master Yorks appeared to be caught up in his memories and continued to mutter, "It was an odd thing at the time too. That woman was undoubtedly beyond cure. But the very next day, she suddenly became healthy and full of vigor once more. My mama was sighing inwardly the day before, wondering whether she needed to prepare a coffin for her. However, the woman only got better with each passing day. Later, my mama finally relaxed once she concluded that the woman would not die.

"One day, as per usual, my papa and the other men were going up the mountain to gather and chop some firewood. But the woman suddenly took my dad's hand and said something rather strange to him very anxiously. She warned him that it was the birthday of the Beast God on Mount Pearl, so many ferocious beasts would show up. She told her he would end up dead if he went.

"My papa was a fearless man and didn't listen to her advice. He still brought the villagers with him and left. But that same night, my papa and the villagers didn't come back. Only the women and children were left behind at the foot of the mountain. They were worried about their men, but they dared not go up the mountain to find them. It was then my mama suddenly remembered the words the woman had said to my papa and she ran to question her. She asked the woman if she knew anything when she tried to stop my papa from going up the mountain to gather and chop firewood this morning.

"The woman quietly looked at my mama and sighed after quite some time. She then told her that it was an unspeakable secret and that if she told her, it would bring about catastrophe. But since my papa had saved her and her daughter, she would give my mama a piece of jade as a gift. Then, she told my mama that if she took the jade up the mountain, she'd be able to bring her husband's body back and give him a proper burial.

"After the woman was done speaking, she handed a piece of jade to my mama and that jade is the jade seal Baby Robbie is currently in possession of."

Once Grand Old Master Yorks said this, everyone immediately gasped in surprise and exclaimed out loud.

"The woman was able to heal her injuries overnight, so she must've been a witch doctor." Jenson immediately started racking his brain.

Chapter 2022

Chapter 2022

"Her jade is able to drive away snakes and ferocious beasts. I'm afraid that this jade is also artificially synthesized. Perhaps the composition inside contains some medicinal ingredients that allow it to have such an effect on those snakes."

As soon as Jenson said this, Grand Old Master Yorks slapped his thigh as if he had just woken up from a dream, saying, "Oh, right! Jens' words reminded me of something else. She gave me a couple of massages that cured my indigestion when I was younger. Back then, I was quite sallow and skinny, but after she massaged me all over, I started to gain a bigger appetite."

Jay scrupulously said, "What about the Beast God?

How did that come about?"

Grand Old Master Yorks heaved out a sad sigh, saying, "The woman left our house just like that. My mother wailed and sobbed hysterically, and she ultimately believed the woman's words. She held onto the jade and went up the mountain to find my papa. But Mount Pearl is huge, so it wasn't possible to look for him up there... Let alone see any Beast God."

Grand Old Master Yorks was somewhat choked-up as he continued, "Later, my mother and those weaker

women and children simply moved into a cave on top of Mount Pearl to search for the missing men. Hence, a dabbler young boy like me had to assume the responsibility of protecting the rest. So I gathered all the young children together and we helped our family get firewood and set up traps for the beasts... Days, months, and years passed just like that, but we didn't manage to find my papa. The villagers ultimately believed that the men had met their demise. We merely thought that we'd just live in peace in that manner forever.

"It went on until one day, a group of invaders came up to Mount Pearl. My mama gave them a warm welcome into our home in order to make some money. That night, I overheard the intruders whispering about how Boye's bloodline had extracted men's hearts for their medicinal properties and how evil the crime was.

They said that even though the Davis' bloodline's art of healing was inferior to the Boye's bloodline, their bloodline was the most elite in the craft of poison. Everyone of Boye's bloodline wholly suffered from the Davis' poison, and only the woman, Lynne Boye, was left. A mere woman would not be able to stir up much trouble anyway, and they mentioned that the Davis clan would be the ones running the world from then on.

"I was young at the time and couldn't tell right from wrong. The only thing I knew then was that Boye had taken all of Yorks Stronghold's men, so we had to find Boye to get our revenge. Afterward, we started our lives as bandits and thugs... And I think you all heard o

f and know the following story."

The long story was indeed thought-provoking.

Grand Old Master Yorks was a crude man, and he had never carefully investigated what had happened back in Yorks Stronghold and the connections to one another.

Jenson started to analyze the truth and facts that had happened back then, saying, "The Davis clan used poison to annihilate everyone of the Boye bloodline. Yet they never thought that someone from the Boye family would manage to escape such an ordeal, and our great-grandma Boye is that said fugitive's daughter who escaped the net."

Jay added, "If I'm not mistaken, the pregnant woman who Great-grandpa Yorks saved was that refugee, Lynne Boye."

Everyone's eyes turned to Jay, looking forward to hearing his following words.

Jay continued, "The python jade seal she gave to the Yorks family is one of the best evidence of this because only those of the Boye bloodline would have the ability to develop a formula that controls the Davis clan's concoctions. Plus, only Boye's bloodline could deal with the Davis clan with such tenacity."

Jenson said, "Daddy's right."

Jay added once more, "Judging by mere calculations, the child in Lynne Boye's stomach should be my Grandma Boye."

When Jay mentioned Grandma Boye, Grand Old Master Ares' face turned gray.

Chapter 2023

Chapter 2023

Jay looked at Grand Old Master Ares in a genuinely apologetic manner and said, "I'm sorry, Grandpa. I didn't tell you about Grandma Boye's return to Imperial Capital."

Grand Old Master Ares sighed and said, "You didn't have to tell me. I already knew."

Jay was stunned. "If you know that she's back, why didn't you go see her?"

Grand Old Master Ares said, "She's been back for so long but has never taken the initiative to visit me. Perhaps in her heart, I'm merely a person of her past. So why should I bother her?" Jay heaved a weak sigh.

Grandpa and Grandma's love was something he could never understand.

In Jay's point of view, as long as he was still alive, he would never let go of his beloved woman. He would be entangled with her until the day they died.

Grand Old Master Ares said, "Alright, leave my matters alone now. Let's talk about what's happening right now. Why did snakes suddenly appear in Tourmaline Estate?"

Jay shifted his gaze toward Jenson, and Jenson's

handsome face was highly stern and solemn when he said, "I'm afraid the battle to the death between the two factions of witch doctors in Mount Pearl has been brought to the Ares family's Tourmaline Estate." As soon as he said this, a sense of panic filled the air.

Jenson continued, "I found out that the second branch's Madam Nephele is well versed in the art of healing and can command snakes. Her surname is Davis too. Robbie and I have fought against her before, and if it weren't for the family seal, I'm afraid we would've been powerless against her. After we wounded her, she ran away while getting treatment in Grand Asia Hospital.

"I can confirm that she's a descendant of the Davis clan."

Grand Old Master Ares was utterly worried while wondering aloud, "How could this happen?"

Jay said guiltily, "I suppose I triggered this matter."

"What does this have to do with you, Jay?"

Jay said, "When Angeline was suffering from severe depression, I brought her over to Cloud City so she could relax. That's where we met Grandma Boye. We got along well, and Angeline put her guard down, revealing our identities to Grandma Boye. Later, I was poisoned by Judy's Love Potion, and Angeline personally invited Grandma Boye back here from Cloud City. I think since the day Grandma Boye returned to the Ares household, it became a ticking time bomb to the current calamity we're facing."

Grand Old Master Ares sighed while saying, "Now that Boye has returned to the Ares household and Nephele Davis is here as well, will Tourmaline Estate ever be at peace again?"

Cole said to him, "Don't worry about it, Grand Old Master Ares. Since Boye's bloodline art of healing was better than the Davis' bloodline even from way back then, let's invite Mr. Boye to oversee everything. Then, presumably, Nephele Davis won't be able to fight against Boye and she'll run off with her tail between her legs."

Jay's expression appeared dim at this time when he said, "Boye has left Imperial Capital."

"Where'd she go?" asked Grand Old Master Yorks.

"She went back to Cloud City, along with Baby Zetty," said Jay.

Grand Old Master Ares gave it a thought and said, "JJ, the snakes have injured our family members from the second and third branches. I think we're urgently in need of Boye's help. Why don't you send someone to Cloud City to get Boye back here?"

Jay nodded. "Jens, make the arrangements right away."

"Yes," said Jens.

Jay pondered for a moment before adding, "I suspect that Madam Nephele is still hiding in Tourmaline

Estate. We'll have to strengthen our defense measures these days. Jens, you're the head of the Ares household, so you'll have to dispatch the Ares family's guards. Be sure to search every nook and cranny fo Madam Nephele."

"Alright."

Coming out of Chateau de Selene, Jenson began to think about who he should send to Cloud City to pick up Grandma Boye.

Baby Robbie thought that his beloved sister must be missing her Brother Finn very much at the moment, so he said without hesitation, "What's so difficult about that? Just send Brother Finn over." Jenson said, "I think you know very well why Greatgrandma has been living in hiding for so many years, right?"

Baby Robbie's smile slowly dissipated. "I understand. Are you worried that Brother Finn's journey to pick up Great-grandma Boye will not be as smooth as we think?"

Jenson nodded, saying, "Daddy and I made a mistake. We thought that the most dangerous place in the world is our Tourmaline Estate. But the truth is that the most dangerous place to be right now is wherever Boye is."

Baby Robbie said, "Doesn't that imply it's dangerous for Zetty to be with Great-grandma Boye right now?"

Jens said, "Therefore, shouldn't we be sending our strongest team to welcome Boye back?"

Chapter 2024

Chapter 2024

"Then, I should go with Brother Finn."

Jens scoffed. "No way. You have to study, and this matter shouldn't be disrupting your lessons."

Baby Robbie replied listlessly, "Oh man. I go to school almost 365 days a year. I'm going mad from studying. I won't be stupid if I miss a day or two."

Jens retorted, "You still can't do it. Mommy will be very upset."

"Then don't tell Mommy."

"No."

"Jens..."

Ultimately, Jens looked for the four leaders of Ghost and sternly said to them, "I'm going to give you four the task of picking up Mr. Boye from Cloud City. The journey will be perilous, so the four of you will be drawing lots. The one who draws the shortest stick from my hand right now will be heading to Cloud City

Jenson was holding four wooden sticks in his hand and placed them in front of Finn and the others, saying, "Go ahead and pick one."

Finn firmly said, "There's no need to draw lots. I'll

head to Cloud City."

The other three proceeded to look at each other.

Of course, since Grayson knew what was in Finn's head at the moment, he tried to fulfill Finn's wishes by pretending to conclude things for him. "Well, out of the four of us, Finn does have the best combat skills so it's most suitable for him to go."

There was a hidden trace of worry in Tempest's eyes.

Finn was whole-heartedly worried about Baby Zetty at the moment, so when he heard that Cloud City was in danger, he lost his sense of propriety and completely forgot that Baby Zetty's reason for leaving in the first place was to escape him.

Meanwhile, Grayson was merely focused on lending his moral support to Finn.

Hence, Tempest said, "Finn, any one of the four of us should be going, but not you."

It was as if Finn had been struck by thunder. He stood there in a daze upon hearing his words.

Tempest said earnestly, "If you truly want to go, then you should first ask yourself whether you're able to give Baby Zetty the happiness she wants?"

Finn trembled slightly and was not able to answer Tempest's question, but he still walked forward without the slightest hesitation.

Tempest was puzzled, saying, "Doesn't the guy know he'll bring nothing but disaster to Baby Zetty?"

Storm patted Tempest on the shoulder and comforted him. "Tammy has left our neighborhood, so don't you think that there's something strange going on?" Tempest had a sudden realization. "So, Finn has changed his mind?"

Storm replied, "We can't say that he has, but I suppose he finally realizes what his heart wants now."

Finn bought a ticket over as quickly as possible and went to Cloud City with his heart filled with joy.

While he was on the way there, he began to think of ways to relieve all the trauma that he had brought upon Baby Zetty when he saw her.

However, when he arrived at Boye's old residence, Finn was dumbfounded to see the place filled with cobwebs. There were piles of leaves in the courtyard.

It seemed as if no one had lived here for quite some time.

Boye and Baby Zetty had never landed in Cloud City at all!

"Zetty!" Finn slammed the door open, and a musty smell immediately assailed his nostrils.

Finn began to panic as he searched for Baby Zetty and Boye all over the house. However, even after searching all corners of the house, he found no trace of them.

He hurriedly took his phone out, his hands trembling violently due to tension. When he dialed the number t

o call Jay, even his voice was slightly shaking.

"Foster Father, I've arrived at Mr. Foye's former residence in Cloud City but I can't seem to locate Boye and Baby Zetty. It seems like it's been a long time since anyone has lived here."

Chapter 2025

Chapter 2025

On the other line, Jay appeared extremely gloomy.

Boye did not follow their initial agreement of settling down in Cloud City. Could it be that the reason for the change of plans was due to them encountering some sort of danger on the way there? Or perhaps Grandma Boye had deceived him from the start?

Where were they now?

Serpent Land!

Boye and her partner were lying leisurely on their comfy chairs in the courtyard in a multi-story villa. On the other hand, Baby Zetty had her legs spread, resting them on two stools while her bum was hanging mid-air. She was holding a book and using all her might to focus her attention.

Grandpa would look at her from time to time, and he would sigh each time he noticed Baby Zetty's gaze occasionally drifting away from the book.

"That child can't concentrate on studying at all. If this continues, I'm afraid she won't be able to finish a single book in a year."

Boye said, "She hasn't healed from her broken heart just yet, so give her some time."

Grandpa said, "She's young, so time is still on her side.

But I'm afraid that we'll not have much time to teach her anymore."

Boye looked at the old man suspiciously. "You've always been optimistic, so why are you saying such disheartening words today?"

Grandpa merely stroked his beard and chuckled while saying, "I'm merely anxious for you."

Thump!

Baby Zetty fell to the ground from the gap between the two stools due to absent-mindedness.

Boye shook her head and said, "Come here, Baby Zetty."

Baby Zetty walked over to Boye in a vexed manner, feeling ashamed of herself when she said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Boye."

"How much did you read today?"

"20 pages."

"That's the reading speed for most ordinary children. Were you able to memorize it?"

"I can't, Mr. Boye," said Baby Zetty as she lowered her head with tearful eyes.

Boye sighed in disappointment.

Grandpa stood up and went inside the house, saying," I'll make the two of you some food."

Once Grandpa left, Boye started to discipline Baby

Zetty sternly. "I know that you like Finn, Zetty, and leaving Finn upsets you. I also know that love is essential in your eyes and you only live for the idea of love. But why would love come to you when you have nothing?"

Baby Zetty stared at Boye blankly. She was still young, so she had difficulty comprehending the deep significance of Grandma Boye's words.

Boye had to emphasize it and made her words simpler yet blunter for her.

"Baby Zetty, if you didn't have the Ares family as your backing, you would've been a total failure. You're just a parasite that is of no use to society, so why would Finn ever like you?"

Baby Zetty bit her lip and said sorrowfully, "I know that I'm nothing special, Mr. Boye. That's why Brother Finn doesn't like me. But there's no need for you to rub salt on my wounds."

Boye said furiously, "Is that so? Are you hoping that I'll be like your mommy, then? Should I hold you in my arms and comfort you when you're sad? Zetty, you're not going to live under your mommy's wings forever. You'll face all kinds of difficulties and obstacles, as well as all sorts of people in this lifetime. Will you kneel and beg them for mercy as well?"

Baby Zetty said, "Of course not."

Boye scoffed. "Hmph! You can't even overcome a small obstacle like getting over a broken heart. How am I supposed to believe you'll have the determination and perseverance to overcome other difficulties?" Baby Zetty sobbed while saying, "I'll try my best to forget Brother Finn."

Boye sneered and said, "I know that you'll forget about him, but how long are you going to take? Ten years? Or your whole life?"

Baby Zetty widened her eyes as she looked at Boye in shock.

She felt Mr. Boye's disappointment in her for the first time in her life.

Boye was getting angrier as she spoke, "I'm very disappointed in you. You're nothing like Jay, who's a towering tree on his own. He doesn't need to live under anyone's wings and instead uses his wings to protect the weak.

"You're nothing like Angeline as well. Although Angeline's body is frail, she's strong as a mother and tough as a wife. She's able to use her strong willpower to defeat her disease, and I think she's the strongest woman I've ever met."

Chapter 2026

Chapter 2026

"You're a coward, Zetty. You're someone who refuses to face reality or confront a problem. You've thoroughly humiliated your parents, and you're not worthy of being Jay Ares' daughter."

Boye stood up and walked toward the house in a fit of rage.

Baby Zetty's tears started flowing down her cheeks.

"I'm not a coward," she said while gritting her teeth.

Boye came to the kitchen, and when her partner saw her, he merely heaved a sigh.

"Weren't the things you said to her a bit too harsh?"

Boye's eyes appeared reddened at the moment. "Don't you think I feel heartbroken for my own great-granddaughter? But she's still a descendant of the Boyes. If she doesn't get stronger, how will she deal with those difficulties and obstacles in the future?"

"You'll have to be patient and persuade her one step at a time."

"You said it yourself that we're running out of time."

No one had ever used such vicious language to belittle Baby Zetty before.

These words aroused Baby Zetty's unreconciling

stubbornness and rebelliousness.

She quickly stopped her tears, and her determined eyes fell on the densely packed words on the pages of the book.

She was the daughter of Jay Ares.

She was the daughter of Angeline Severe.

She refused to believe that she could not withstand the pain caused by a broken heart.

She refused to believe she was not able to challenge herself with these books.

Hence, Baby Zetty held her book and ran to the study.

Almost immediately, Boye and Grandpa heard the loud sound of a door slamming coming from the study.

Grandpa looked at Boye in shock, and as if he was scared witless, he said, "Congratulations, you've managed to enrage a little lioness."

Boye said, "Her submissive personality was never a good thing anyway, so it's good that she's losing her temper and venting out all of the frustrations in her heart."

From that day onward, Baby Zetty spared no effort in her studies and immersed herself into a sea of books every single day.

Baby Zetty was surprised to find that if she were to read in a calm state of mind, she also had the magical ability to remember everything she read.

She finally realized that she had also inherited Daddy and Mommy's excellent genes, just like Jens and Baby Robbie. She had never been mediocre and only thought of herself that way in the past because she was never diligent in her studies.

When Boye noticed that Baby Zetty was getting faster at reading, she finally showed a smile on her face.

She had also finally found a suitable method to teach Baby Zetty. Unfortunately, it was not encouragement but endless suppression instead.

Hence, Boye was no longer kind to Baby Zetty from then on. On the contrary, she gave much effort to sputter all kinds of words filled with bitter resentment to Baby Zetty.

Grandpa became worried about this. "If you keep treating her like this, the child will come to hate you."

Boye said, "She won't. If one day she finds out that everything I'm doing to her now is because I love her too much, I think she'll come to understand me."

Baby Zetty's life started to revolve around this routine while the situation in Imperial Capital became more unstable by the day.

Imperial Capital.

Madam Nephele seemed to have disappeared into thin air from Tourmaline Estate.

Jenson had come all the way to Mammoth Courtyard to track down Madam Nephele.

This time, the host of Mammoth Courtyard, Jacob, was the one who came out to greet Jenson.

"Jens, do you really think that my Nephy was the one who released those snakes?" To this day, Jacob was still questioning the validity of this fact about his beautiful mistress. He was unconvinced that Madam Nephele was a type of evil quack doctor.

Jenson was currently looking at Jacob in scrutiny, trying to look for a mistake or a sort of loophole in his speech.

Chapter 2027

Chapter 2027

"Grandpa Jacob, weren't you the one who hired Madam Nephele as your tool to deal with me?" Jenson asked gloomily.

Jacob looked extremely wronged. "How could you question me, Jens? I swear I had no idea about Nephele's real identity. If I had known about her secret, I wouldn't have been bold enough to bring her back to Tourmaline Estate from the start!"

Jenson asked, "Can you tell me how you met each other?"

Jacob answered, "19 years ago, she came to my office to apply for the secretary position. She was not only beautiful but was also an efficient and quick-witted worker, so I chose her as my private assistant. After spending a long time together, we grew fond of each other and that was when I made her my woman. It was only until you became the head of the Ares family and announced that all Ares family's mistresses could move into Tourmaline Estate that she came here and started living in Mammoth Courtyard."

Jacob led Jenson to Mammoth Courtyard.

Madam Nephele was nowhere to be seen, but her courtyard was crowded with people.

The women who stayed in front of the courtyard had come to the back to watch what was happening. When Jenson entered the courtyard, he heard some women lamenting. "Who knows if Sis Nephele is actually missing or if she's in danger? When mistresses like us enter Tourmaline Estate, it feels like we're treading on thin ice."

When Jacob sauntered over, the women started wiping their tears sorrowfully. They gathered around Jacob and spoke in coquettish voices, "Old Master Jacob, you must find Sis Nephele." The mistresses seemed to share a really close bond.

Jacob comforted them and said, "Don't worry, Nephele will be fine. The Areses will definitely find her."

Jenson did not see Mammoth Courtyard's hostess and Jacob's wife, Madam Charlotte, anywhere. He asked, "Where's Grandma Charlotte?"

Jacob and the other women's complexions dulled abruptly,

Jacob said in a cold voice, "Hmph, Grandma Charlotte is a narrow-minded person who can't tolerate the other women of mine. She certainly won't stoop to staying in the same space as them." Jenson asked once more, "Where's Grandma Charlotte now?"

Jacob replied, "Who knows?"

Seeing Jacob's unconcerned attitude toward his wife,

Jenson felt great disdain surging from the bottom of his heart.

Jenson walked toward Madam Nephele's room.

Jacob followed.

Madam Nephele was nowhere to be seen, and the odd and strange things she owned seemed to have vanished into thin air as well. Jenson was extremely puzzled. "Was it really necessary for Madam Nephele to move her massive den of snake pets away?"

Jenson searched the entire upstairs but did not notice anything strange.

In the end, Jenson turned around and asked Jacob, "Is there a basement here?"

Jacob said sarcastically, "Not in the past, but your mother rebuilt Tourmaline Estate, so I have no idea if there's one right now."

Jenson then texted his mother: [Mommy, can I have Mammoth Courtyard's blueprint plan?]

Angeline replied: [Hold on.]

In the study, Angeline pulled up Tourmaline Estate's reconstruction file from the computer. After locating Mammoth Courtyard's blueprint plan, she took a screenshot and sent it to Jenson. After studying the blueprint plan, Jenson realized that the reconstructed Tourmaline Estate had a basement.

The entrance was extremely hidden and connected all the way downstairs to the basement.

Sure enough, since Madam Nephele had left in a hurry, the basement was in a mess. Many traces were left behind here.

There were snake eggs that were packed densely in a haystack, as well as some baby snakes that had just hatched. However, as no one was there to take care of them, many of the baby snakes had died as soon as they hatched.

Jacob was so terrified that he screamed, "Argh, what are these?!"

Jenson replied, "Madam Nephele is a medical practitioner. She can create snake eggs through artificial means and control the snakes to cause harm."

Jacob gulped. "Who... Who... exactly is she?"

Jenson said, "Nephele Davis, a descendant of the Davis clan."

Jacob said in trepidation, "Oh, okay."

Chapter 2028

Chapter 2028

Jenson eyed him skeptically. "Do you really not know about Madam Nephele's identity?"

Jacob replied, "I don't."

Jenson let out a slight smile. "You do look like you're unaware of this, Grandpa Jacob. However..."

Jenson's gaze shifted to the renovated compartments in the basement and asked, "Do you not know about these renovated compartments either, Grandpa Jacob?"

Jacob was startled for a moment before shaking his head hard.

"I don't."

Jenson said, "No one is allowed to renovate Tourmaline Estate in private. If you wanted to renovate this place, you'd need to get permission from the head of the household. Do you know what sort of punishment you'll receive if someone from Mammoth Courtyard breaks the rules?"

"I do. It's just a punishment, isn't it? If anyone renovates the basement, they'll have to pay a 500,000 dollar fine..."

Jenson sneered and teased, "Are you very familiar with the rules, Grandpa Jacob? I wonder if you can

recite the other rules?"

There was a flash of panic in Jacob's eyes.

Jenson flashed a smile. "There's many a slip between the cup and the lip, Grandpa Jacob."

Jacob was dumbfounded.

Had Jenson realized he was lying?

"To be honest with you, Jens, I was aware that Nephele renovated the basement and I gave her permission to do it, but I didn't know why she wanted to renovate the basement. I overindulged her and catered to her every whim..."

Jenson cut him off directly and said, "Can you take me to Grandma Charlotte, Grandpa Jacob?"

Jacob looked as though he was placed in a difficult situation. "Grandma Charlotte isn't feeling so well."

Jenson asked, "Oh? She was fine a few days ago, wasn't she?"

Jacob said, "You know how bullheaded she is. Ever since I brought my mistresses back to Tourmaline Estate, she's been mad at me and ignored me for days."

Jenson said, "All the more reason for me to visit Grandma Charlotte."

Jacob had no choice but to lead Jenson to the front of Mammoth Courtyard, Madam Charlotte's residence.

There was a female servant standing at the door. Jacob said to the female servant, "Inform Madam

Charlotte that Jens is here to see her."

The female servant said reverently, "Yes, sir."

Jenson narrowed his eyes. The female servant was excessively reverent to Jacob, which raised his suspicion.

The wives of the family would have several cronies. Now that Jacob and Madam Charlotte were having a major disagreement, logically speaking, her servant should be treating Jacob with bitter resentment. Soon, the servant walked out and said submissively," Madam Charlotte said that she's tired and isn't fit to see anyone. She promised to visit Young Master Jens herself when she feels better."

Jenson nodded. "Okay." He then turned around and left.

Jacob's features eased up slightly.

Jenson left Mammoth Courtyard and came to an outbuilding in Mammoth Courtyard named Starry Residence.

This was the residence of Julia Ares, the third missus of the second Ares family.

"Why are you here, Jens?" Julia was extremely surprised to see Jenson.

Jens walked over and stood in front of Julia. Upon scrutinizing her face, he realized that she looked sad.

"Is something bothering you, Aunt Julia?" Julia glanced resentfully at Jenson and complained," Jens, because you insisted on taking in the Ares mistresses, there's now chaos here in the second family."

Chapter 2029

Chapter 2029

Jens sat elegantly on a chair next to Julia and picked up the cup of coffee that the servant served. He took in the aroma of the light coffee and felt refreshed. He then took a sip, tasting the premium coffee as it left a lingering fragrance in his mouth.

"This is good coffee, Aunt Julia. Chateau de Selene's coffee could never compare to yours," Jenson said meaningfully.

Julia flushed a little and stuttered, "Your parents lead a frugal life. You know that my father loves these things."

Jenson smiled lightly. "Don't be nervous. Everyone knows that the second family is wealthy."

Julia could sense Jenson's ulterior motives for coming to Starry Residence and looked vigilantly at him. "What are you doing here in Starry Residence, Jens?" Jenson said, "I'm here to tell you that your mother is sick. Do you know about that?"

Julia replied, "I do. Thanks to those mistresses."

Having said that, Julia glared resentfully at Jenson again. "I don't understand. Why didn't you learn from your father and keep those mistresses away from Tourmaline Estate so that we could have some peace and harmony here?"

Jenson sneered. After all, she was just a woman with long hair but short wit. He said, "Have you visited your mother?"

Julia nodded. "I have."

A hint of suspicion flashed in Jenson's eyes. "How's her mental state?"

Julia's eyes dulled. "I only spoke a few words to her and left."

"Oh?" Jenson grew alert. "So you're saying that you didn't see her in person?"

Julia shook her head.

Jenson's deep and profound eyes revealed a glow of wisdom. "Aunt Julia, I suspect that your mother is being controlled."

The cup of coffee in Julia's hands fell to the ground." That's impossible," she cried out emotionally.

Jenson knew that Aunt Julia had led a comfortable life since childhood, and under the protection of her strong and shrewd mother, she had never experienced any storms in her life. In the face of emergencies, she lacked the ability to think calmly and the ability to think before acting.

Jenson said, "Think about it. Your mother is sick, and it just so happens that the assets under her name have been transferred out these few days. How could there be such a coincidence?"

Julia widened her eyes in horror and asked incredulously, "Who's doing all these things behind our backs?"

Jenson shrugged. "I don't know either."

Julia was shaking vigorously now. "You're the head of the Ares family. You must think of a way to save my mother."

Jenson consoled her, saying, "You need to cooperate with me, then. Otherwise, I can't even step foot into Mammoth Courtyard."

Julia nodded eagerly. "Okay, I'll do as you say."

Jenson moved his mouth closer to Julia and said a few words to her before leaving Starry Residence.

Jenson returned to Chateau de Selene, went to Jay, and told him about the situation in Mammoth Courtyard as well as his speculations.

"Daddy, Mammoth Courtyard's basement has been turned into Madam Nephele's lab and research base. Also, Grandpa Jacob stopped me from seeing Grandma Charlotte using every possible means. I suspect that Grandma Charlotte is being controlled by them."

Jay pondered for a moment and said knowingly, "You suspect that Madam Nephele has taken control of her?"

Jenson was slightly stunned. He thought he had gone overboard in his speculations at first and decided not to say it out as there was no evidence.

He was surprised that Daddy could guess what he was thinking about.

Jenson said, "This is just my speculation. Since Madam Nephele is here for Boye, she won't have left Tourmaline Estate so easily before her task is complete. She has all sorts of tricks up her sleeve, and if I'm not mistaken, she's great at disguising herself too."

Chapter 2030

Chapter 2030

Jay nodded. "How do you want me to help you?"

Jenson looked awkward. "Daddy... I need Mommy to visit Madam Charlotte in my place." Jay was so astonished that he turned around, looking at Jenson with a puzzled gaze.

Jenson explained quickly, "Don't worry, Daddy. Baby Robbie and I will sneak under Madam Charlotte's bed beforehand, and when Mommy goes in, I'll get Sis Andy and Sis Roxie to go with her to make sure she's safe."

Jay knew Jenson's intention for doing so.

It would probably be difficult to determine if Madam Nephele had replaced Madam Charlotte just by seeing her face alone, so Jenson needed to sound her out through conversation to detect anything suspicious.

Jenson was a boy and a junior. There was simply no justifiable reason for him to visit Grandma Charlotte.

Angeline was the best candidate.

Jenson was fully prepared to ensure Angeline's safety. Yet even so, how could Jay possibly allow Angeline to take the risk?

Jenson said, "I'll think of another way if you don't

want to, Daddy. There's no need to feel awkward about it."

Angeline pushed the door in and said vehemently, "I'll go." Angeline was delighted to be able to help her children do something.

Jay,

Jay could not bring himself to stand around and watch anymore now that it involved Angeline's safety.

Therefore, he began lining up his troops, ensuring that every little detail was flawless. Once he was done deploying his troops, he then waited for night to come.

At night, Julia arrived at Mammoth Courtyard's front yard and let out a heart-piercing cry. "Mom, you have to do something about this!"

Madam Charlotte did not come out, but she did lure Jacob's mistresses out.

Madam Elsa coaxed Julia gently. "It's so late now, Julia. Your mother is resting. Stop making so much noise. If you have anything to say, do it tomorrow."

Julia howled. "Who do you think you are? You cursed vixens have no right to talk to me. I want to see my mother. I want to ask her why she transferred all the family's assets overseas. Is she trying to kill me and my siblings?"

Madam Elsa's expression changed abruptly. "Who did you hear this from, Julia?"

Jacob was the one who transferred the assets. The second family's mistresses knew about this.

Jacob was only doing so in order to prevent Madam Charlotte from filing for divorce and taking away half of the second family's assets.

Julia cried and said, "Who cares how I know? There's something wrong with the second family's account. Our family's funds are vanishing in massive amounts

H

Madam Elsa motioned to the other mistresses with her eyes and they quickly ran in to inform Jacob.

Soon, Jacob arrived.

"Why are you screaming in the middle of the night, Julia?" Jacob was infuriated.

Julia wiped her tears and wailed, "Dad, you must seek justice for us. My mother has transferred the assets elsewhere."

Jacob paled abruptly. "Who did you hear this from?"

"Everyone is talking about it."

Jacob now knew that someone had found out about him transferring out the assets. It would be difficult to handle this problem if Grand Old Master Ares learned about this. Hence, in order to stop the news from spreading, Jacob looked around him vigilantly while chiding Julia exasperatedly, "Let's talk inside."

However, Grand Old Master Ares appeared out of nowhere, leading Jay and Angeline to Mammoth Courtyard's front door.

"Second Old Master, Grand Old Master Ares is here," the female servant reported anxiously.