David and Jasmine immediately drew everyone's attention. Even the busiest folks couldn't help but pause and watch what was going on, with some discreetly pointing at the two of them.David seethed with anger. He had been facing a series of setbacks lately, even selling his car to make ends meet. How could he endure being humiliated by Eric like this?"Eric Johnson!" He bellowed, raising his fist and swinging it at Eric.Eric might not have been able to dodge such a punch in the past, but things had changed. He sidestepped David's blow effortlessly and taunted, "I've heard you've been hanging around the streets. It's surprising you haven't been beaten with those skills."Spotting a nearby chair, David grabbed it and swung it at Eric.This time, Eric didn't evade. He caught the chair's leg as David swung it toward him and kicked David in the stomach.Even though David had some experience in fights, he was no match for Eric's well-honed abilities.David staggered back, and the chai
David pursued Jasmine for her youthful beauty while she only had her eyes on his money. Now, though, his pockets were empty.All of a sudden, Jasmine's phone buzzed with an incoming call from the police station."Are you Jasmine Pearce, a relative of David Johnson?" the police officer asked. "If so, hurry over to pay for his release!""No, I'm not," she replied before hanging up abruptly.As the person who had purchased David's car approached, Jasmine forced a smile. "Hi, David's tied up right now, so he asked me to handle the transfer. The money will be sent to my account..."After David was released in the afternoon, he discovered his car was missing, and Jasmine had vanished with his money.-Once Eric left the vehicle registration office, he spent a few hundred dollars getting his car meticulously cleaned, particularly the passenger seat.Later, he returned to Williams Corp. to oversee Sylvia's lunch break and then headed to Sonnex Corp. to set up a testing line.After wor
Eric sighed inwardly. Was not every single thing he did affecting her image in some way? The next morning, Eric and Sylvia resumed their training routine. Eric had improved significantly, now able to spar with Sylvia for several rounds. He could potentially match her with a few more techniques under his belt.Sylvia felt a mixture of satisfaction and slight disappointment. Eric was a rare talent. In less than three months, he had reached this level of proficiency. If he had started training at a younger age, he might have already become a martial arts master."What's bothering you?" Eric felt a tinge of discomfort as Sylvia gazed at him.She shook her head. "It's nothing. You're already quite impressive. Your fundamentals are solid. The rest will depend on your own insights. Starting tomorrow, I'll begin teaching you some martial arts techniques."Eric was thrilled to hear this news. After nearly three months of training, he was finally going to learn some techniques!While grap
In martial arts, innate talent was crucial. Without it, hard work would go to waste. But if one had exceptional talent, they could easily surpass others with years of practice!Eric felt excited listening to Sylvia's explanation. Every young person dreamt of being a hero in their childhood. The ultimate hero was one who traveled the world, defending justice and fighting evil.Eric even wondered if he could become like those TV heroes once he became a martial arts grandmaster.-After breakfast, Eric and Sylvia headed to Williams Corp. together. When they arrived, he got a call from Elly. It turned out that Richard and his group had already reached the nail salon.Elly's shop wasn't far from Williams Corp., so they arrived in just over 10 minutes by car.Outside the salon, several Johnson family members were waiting. Seeing Eric and Sylvia get out of the car, Gavin and Kayden were amazed and jealous of Eric's achievements.Delilah and Ruby were busy with the cosmetics on the shel
Upon seeing Blake's imposing stance with the hockey stick, Delilah and Ruby stood their ground. They readied themselves to pass him, aiming to take items out to the car.Blake's expression grew darker as he raised the hockey stick. "Let's see who's bold enough to move!"Delilah and Ruby hesitated briefly."Blake, the shop is closing soon. What's wrong with us taking something we can use?" Ruby asked.Blake's anger flared. "Anyone daring to steal from my daughter's shop will get a thrashing! I'll call the cops on you for robbery! I'll tell them you're thieves!"Upon hearing Blake's threat of police involvement, Richard intervened and grasped the hockey stick."Blake, we're family. Must we resort to this?" Richard smiled, adding, "Plus, we didn't come to discuss this."He signaled to Delilah and Ruby, who placed their bags on the floor.Blake glared at Richard. "Then why are you here?"Frustration boiled within him as he was aware of some online issues, although his limited inte
Eric opened it slowly and finally saw what was inside.They were some cut-out newspaper clippings, with advertisements placed by Blake in search of Eric's biological parents. The advertisement had been carefully cut out and preserved for nearly 30 years.Blake sighed. "We never gave up on trying to find your biological parents but never received any replies. We published these ads in newspapers for several years and searched for just as long, but your mother and I eventually gave up. I hope you won't blame us. We already did our best.""Dad…" Eric's voice was choked with emotions. His parents had done much more than he had ever imagined.The mobile phone number in the advertisement was the same number Blake had been using all these years. It was only then Eric understood his father's earnest efforts.In that era, one might not be able to afford a mobile after working for a year. Yet, his father had managed to buy one, and he had been using the same number until now.Blake shook h
As the saying went: 'A guilty conscience needs no accuser.'They were trying to falsely accuse Eric, Elly, and Sylvia. However, their fear grew when Sylvia hired a lawyer.Their fabricated lie was fragile. Once investigated, everything would come to light. The two brothers quickly escorted the remaining Johnsons away, and the nail salon finally quieted down.Elly looked at Sylvia with gratitude and said, "Thank you for your help, Sylvia."Sylvia had done so much for their family, and Elly didn't know how to repay her.Sylvia smiled. "We're family. Moreover, I believe they won't give up easily. That's why I've decided to end their schemes once and for all."Eric raised his eyebrows. Sylvia's determination to confront his uncles didn't surprise him. What surprised him was her reference to them as family.'Does that mean she's finally accepting me?' he wondered.Blake nodded silently. His disappointment in his brothers was evident. Unless they were taught a lesson, they would stop
Eric did not share blood ties with the Johnsons, so it was more convenient for him to handle this matter.-At night, Eric tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. Sylvia's words from earlier in the day occupied his thoughts. He thought she might be one of those people who appeared cold on the outside but warm inside.It differed from their high school days or early marriage when she had been quite distant. He considered trying something tonight—slipping into Sylvia's room quietly.This idea ignited like a spark in a dry field, and he swiftly got out of bed, taking a deep breath. Approaching Sylvia's door, he reached for the doorknob and turned it gently, but it remained immovable despite his efforts.Eric sighed, and suddenly, his mind cleared.Just as he was about to return to his room, he heard Sylvia's voice from inside her room. "Who's there? Eric, is that you?"Embarrassment washed over Eric—he had assumed Sylvia was already asleep. He made an effort to compose himself