Solomon took a sip of his drink and laughed. "How could I possibly guess what the higher-ups are thinking? I just do what I'm told. Besides, isn't Dr. Hoffman's apprentice human too?" Ryan felt a chill at Solomon's words, considering Gerald's reputation was enough to make anyone think twice before making a move. He had known Solomon for a long time; Solomon's family was powerful, but the man was simply obsessed with martial arts.Solomon showed no interest in money or women. Instead, he would follow anyone who could make him stronger. While Ryan had never heard of the Elders' Council before, he knew they were definitely not a simple bunch of people. "Mr. Gill, do you think Dr. Hoffman's apprentice will agree?" Ryan asked uncertainly.Solomon shook his head. "How would I know what he's thinking when I've never met him? But since you've spoken so highly of him, I'll allow you to make an introduction. I must say, I admire anyone who would risk themselves to save those poor orphans.

George quickly jerked the phone away from his ear, frowning. "Mr. Gibson, are you trying to make me deaf?"Then, something suddenly clicked in his mind. "Wait, what were you saying about Felix?""Felix never lost his martial arts—did you know about this all along?" Ryan demanded.George was stunned, and his eyes turned cold. "Don't push it too far, Mr. Gibson. Felix's body was damaged after that heroic act, and you're still trying to cause trouble for him? He's not as simple as you think."Ryan froze for a moment before replying, "It seems like you knew his true identity and set me up on purpose. But forget it—it was my fault for getting involved. Everything's fine now, so let's talk when we meet."After the call ended, George's confusion only deepened. He wondered what Ryan was talking about. Just then, a voice broke the silence. "If your father's letting you handle such a big contract with me, he must be planning to hand over more responsibilities."George quickly stood up wi

"You recognized him quickly! Yes, it's your boyfriend Felix. I'm not wrong, am I? This guy solved my Bloom Seeds, and you took care of him for quite a while. Can you really say there's nothing between you?" Sonny taunted.Xena's mind went blank. That explained why Felix's phone was unreachable. Sonny had kidnapped him, too.She demanded, "What are you trying to pull here?"Sonny stepped in front of Curtis, giving her a smug look. "I told you, it's just a game. Now, let's start. Watch closely, Lady Summers."After removing Curtis' gag, Sonny asked, "Should I kill you or him? One of you must die while the other lives." Curtis remained calm, glancing at Felix before responding, "Kill me. I'm old and have lived long enough." Then, he turned to the phone camera. "Xena, live a good life with Felix—he's someone worth trusting."Xena screamed hysterically, tears streaming down her face, but she was helpless to do anything."Well done, Mr. Summers Senior. Such noble thoughts—no wonder y

Felix's face darkened with concern. He pressed, "Ryan, are you sure you want to take responsibility for what you said?"After a pause on the other end, Ryan replied, "Nothing happened, so what do you want me to say? This is ridiculous!" Then, the line went dead, prompting Xena to let out a cold laugh. "Can't even find someone to back you up. Felix, I finally understand everything now. You're a failure as a person, but at least you can brag about fooling the Warlady once," Xena said before walking away.Her understanding of "everything" meant she believed Felix's rescue of those dozen kids was just an act to impress her. None of this would have happened if she had not been so moved by that moment. Especially since Felix admitted that saving those children would not have cost him his life—he would only lose his fighting abilities. Then again, none of that mattered. Any fool would know it was worth trading combat skills for Xena's affection. After all, being known as the Warlad

Without her trench coat, Michelle stood there in a black bodysuit with fishnet stockings and straps that created an alluring yet tastefully suggestive appearance."Michelle, what are you doing?" Felix asked helplessly, but Michelle walked toward him with a blush spreading across her face."Felix, I... I like you, and I don't know how else to express my gratitude. This is all I can offer."Michelle was undeniably attractive, and most men would have lost control by now. But Felix, having seen his fair share of beauty, found her merely average in comparison. Besides, even if she were stunning, he could never act on it—she was family to Karina, after all. "Don't do this, Michelle. I really only see you as a sister. Please put your clothes back on," Felix said as he reached for a robe, but Michelle suddenly lunged at him. Felix's brows furrowed. Even without his fighting abilities, his body was still far superior to an ordinary person's. He should have been able to dodge that predict