Chapter 97: Chapter97-The One Lurking in the Shadows
Chapter 97: Chapter97-The One Lurking in the Shadows
To optimize their familial genetics, some families arrange for geniuses to marry within their clan.
Once a child is born, they naturally become part of House Carter, ensuring the talent and bloodline continue unabated.
Clearly, House Carter harbored such intentions.
At this realization, John's expression turned somewhat peculiar.
House Carter was treating him as a stud horse!
By the bar, Robert, with a stern face, told Theodore, "House Carter's affairs are none of your concern, and certainly, Mr. John's matters are not for Lord Theodore to decide."
Then, looking earnestly at John, Robert continued, "Mr. John, rest assured, we are not as they imagine. Your talent, even in the capital, is top-notch. Should you join House Carter, we will devote ourselves entirely to nurturing your abilities."
John pondered for a moment, about to say, "Well, it's not that I'm completely against..."
But before John could finish, Scarlett slammed the table, angrily stating, "Robert, stop harboring such delusions. John will definitely not agree to your proposal. He has no interest in the women of House Carter. Let me repeat myself: please leave immediately. You are not welcome here."
John paused, surprised; that wasn't what he meant.
Just as he was about to clarify, Seraphina, who had been silent till then, also spoke up, "Exactly. Even without joining House Carter, John's talent would attract countless people and powers extending olive branches to him. He does not need to go to House Carter to continue your lineage."
John opened his mouth to explain, but both women gave him a cold look simultaneously.
A chill ran down his spine, prompting him to suddenly close his mouth and adopt an ostrich approach.
The gaze of everyone present turned peculiar.
Robert took a deep look at the two women, seemingly grasping something.
He sighed deeply, addressing John sincerely, "At the end of the day, we all possess the power of the Crimson Demon, surely closer than any outsider. Our women in House Carter are also exceptional. I hope Mr. John can consider this well. Here's my business card; should you make up your mind, feel free to contact me directly."
After placing his card on the bar, Robert left with the House Carter guards without another glance.
Left in the bar were John and his company.
Scarlett immediately collected the business card from the bar and, under John's watch, stored it in her ring.
She then turned to John, asking softly, "What were you about to say? You can speak now."
Everyone's gaze turned to John, some eagerly anticipating the drama.
Although John's statement was cut off, everyone had heard the beginning.
Now with Scarlett pressing him for answers, it was a scene too entertaining to miss.
John's lips twitched.
With everyone gone, there seemed little point in speaking.
John shrugged nonchalantly, "I didn't mean much by it, just wanted to tell Robert that I, John, am a man they'll never have in House Carter."
The onlookers gave him a knowing smile, clearly not buying his statement.
In their eyes, John was merely another man contemplating the possibilities with House Carter's women—a sentiment shared by most men present.
With John's deflection, the episode passed.
Following this, Scarlett, sensing Theodore and his daughter might have matters to discuss with John, invited them to her office.
After some pleasantries, Scarlett closed the office door, creating a private space for their conversation.
She then went downstairs to have a drink.
To Scarlett's surprise, Seraphina soon followed her down.
The two beautiful women exchanged glances, both pausing momentarily.
Scarlett broke the silence first, smiling as she invited, "How about sitting down for a drink together?"
Seraphina's eyebrows furrowed slightly, yet she didn't refuse, merely nodding gently.
Drinking was not unfamiliar to Seraphina, being Theodore's daughter, she often had to mingle in noble circles.
Drinking was inevitable in such gatherings, although she typically didn't enjoy it.
Seeing Seraphina agree so gracefully, Scarlett's impression of the mayor's daughter improved.
They sat down at the bar, and Scarlett asked the bartender to prepare two cocktails with a lower alcohol content.
The presence of these two stunning women at the bar instantly attracted the attention of many on the second floor.
Even members of Hidden Stars couldn't help but show signs of admiration, let alone the regular patrons.
Today, Seraphina was dressed in a light blue waist-cinching dress.
Her attire was meticulously chosen as always, with the light-colored dress paired with simple silver earrings, adding a touch of grace to her cool demeanor and making her seem less unapproachably noble.
Scarlett's style was much more casual.
Her fiery red hair was loosely tied up, and she wore a large white shirt over light blue skinny jeans, accentuating her long, slender legs.
Her outfit seemed more suited for lounging at home, yet paired with Scarlett's sultry appearance and captivating eyes, it exuded a unique charm of a mature woman.
As they sat at the bar, Scarlett took the opportunity to observe Seraphina more closely.
She couldn't help thinking that Seraphina was one of the most beautiful women she had ever seen.
John might have his flaws, but his eye for women was indisputable, Scarlett mused to herself.
Seraphina was unfazed by the gazes of Scarlett and the others; she was accustomed to the attention.
Once the bartender had prepared the cocktails, Scarlett slid a glass towards Seraphina.
The drink shimmered with an enticing golden hue under the bar lights, with osmanthus petals gently swaying within.
A fragrant aroma wafted from the glass, soothing the mind.
Scarlett sipped her drink and smiled, "Miss Seraphina, did you come specifically to see John this time?"
After thanking for the drink and nodding, Seraphina said, "I'm preparing to go to the capital, to say goodbye to him."
Scarlett's eyes narrowed slightly, her beautiful face becoming even more bewitching against the backdrop of her beauty mark.
She observed Seraphina quietly for a moment, then suddenly laughed.
Seraphina, puzzled, looked at her questioningly.
Scarlett's gaze dropped to her glass as she toyed with it, her lips parting slightly to whisper, "Do you like John?"
At that moment, Seraphina stiffened, as if turned to ice.
Inside the office on the third floor, Theodore sat on a sofa.
John placed tea in front of Theodore and asked with a smile, "I wonder what brings the Mayor to seek me out this time?"
Theodore took a sip of tea, not beating around the bush.
He directly said, "When Rean died, you were the closest to him. Did you notice anything unusual?"
John furrowed his brows, recalling the scene.
He hadn't noticed anything amiss.
Shaking his head, John replied, "I didn't notice anything wrong. At that time, I stabbed Rean through with a sword. To escape the control of the Bloodthirsty Blade, he sacrificed himself. Then Captain Victor arrived, and I passed out. I don't know anything about what happened afterward."
John, puzzled, added, "Why do you ask, Mayor? Did something happen afterward?"
Given Theodore's status and power, he wouldn't seek John out without reason, especially not for such an odd question.
If he had come, it meant something must have happened that John was unaware of.
Theodore nodded, his eyes revealing undeniable concern.
He explained, "Logically speaking, given Rean's level, even if he sacrificed himself, he shouldn't have left no trace whatsoever. But when we cleaned up the battlefield later, we found nothing at all. This is quite illogical."
"This... is there a problem with that?" John asked, looking puzzled.
Theodore sighed, "It wouldn't have mattered much, but after the incident concluded, someone took advantage of Eldritch's treatment of the wounded and launched a sneak attack on him amidst the crowd. The sage-tier artifact 'Bottle of Desire,' which was under Eldritch's care, was also stolen.
This means there are still powerful individuals hidden within Stellarburg, with unknown identities and motives, likely related to the Dusk Sect."
John's eyes widened in shock upon hearing Theodore's words.
He had thought this matter was already settled, but it turned out there were still Dusk Sect powerhouses lurking within Stellarburg.
And this person was hidden in an unknown corner, secretly observing everyone.
The thought sent a chill through John's heart.
What's more worrisome is that they still didn't know the enemy's purpose, leaving them in a reactive position.
Theodore continued gravely, "We've been investigating this for a week with no leads. The information has been temporarily sealed, known only to some of the top-tier individuals in Stellarburg; others are unaware. So, you must keep this confidential, absolutely not leaking it out. Otherwise, Stellarburg could plunge into chaos again."
John nodded solemnly.
After experiencing such an event, Stellarburg was already severely weakened.
Just as it was returning to calm, an unknown entity, at least of transcendental-tier strength and clearly harboring ill intentions, had emerged.
If the citizens of Stellarburg were made aware, it could easily lead to panic.
In such a state of universal alarm and self-preservation, whatever the enemy intended to do would undoubtedly be facilitated, creating advantageous conditions for them.