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.

like theirs would have a fighter of such caliber in their ranks and so well-hidden at that?" confirmed

quivered, but no words

north was a treacherous place, its depths

families boasted no more than a peak- level Grandmaster at their helm. : Yet, since the New Chesire Group

Surely, the elite families harbored secret weapons of terrifying

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

moment's thought.

family? Alexander shook his head,

Jess family's downfall was inevitable, but

be anything but peaceful. However, this time, they

of passing its final clinical trial. She was about to leave Ol' Mare for the north, where

The following afternoon, Amber's

jet from Ol. Mare touched down with precision. Rabeca Jervis and Ray were at her side