His Lordship Alexander Kane

Chapter 0504 The murder and burial of Gerald sent shockwaves through the North. Every major player, including the top-tier families, sent their condolences to the Jess estate, all except the Redwine family.

The Redwine family, bolstered by the loyalty of lesser houses, had risen to the cusp of the elite, perfectly positioned to pay their respects at Gerald's funeral. Yet, the new patriarch, Frank Redwine, chose not to attend. He sat instead in the serene garden pavilion, his attention fixed on Alexander before him.

Clasped in Alexander's hand was a broken piece of an abacus, marked with half a maple leaf, a silent

testament to something unsaid. His gaze was composed as he questioned Frank, "What do you know about the Jess family?" Sweat beaded on Frank's brow. The night before, after Alexander's departure, their house had suffered = stealthy assault. Only Alexander's formidable prowess had averted disaster. Then, that sudden inquiry about the Jess family...

Frank did not allow himself to ponder the implications. He reported promptly, "The Jess family runs deep.

They've been a northern powerhouse for generations.

"Erick, the current head, is the oldest of three brothers. The second brother vanished years ago amidst a whirlwind of rumors. The most credible whispers

speak of his initiation into a secretive sect.

"Gerald, the third in line of the Jess family, was the quiet force behind their financial empire, a man who preferred the shadows to the spotlight. His death came as a shock to everyone." Frank's face went pale as a realization hit him. "Mister Kane, you don't mean... the assassin last night, it was..." "Yes, it was Gerald. The old-timers didn't trust computers for their books, and they were masters of the abacus.

such caliber in their ranks and so well-hidden at

quivered, but no

a treacherous place, its

the mightiest of families boasted no more than a peak- level Grandmaster at their helm. : Yet, since the New Chesire Group had set its sights northward,

could claim the north lacked powerhouses? Surely, the

this, what should we do? Do we call in our best and take

moment's thought.

his head,

but it was

peaceful. However, this time, they would grant him a

its final clinical trial. She was about to leave Ol' Mare for the north, where a personal mission awaited her, one she would

The following afternoon, Amber's

touched down with precision. Rabeca Jervis and Ray were at her side as