The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

Jace was losing his patience and was just about to strike. He pointed a finger at Felix, his voice ice-cold as he shouted, "In all these years, I've never met someone who could brag like you. Let me tell you now-your dad's never getting out, not now, not ever!"

Jace barely finished his sentence before the back of his head took a solid slap.

"You idiot, what nonsense are you spouting?"

As Jace heard that familiar voice, his rage instantly evaporated. He spun around, a nervous, sheepish smile spreading across his face. "Janet, what are you doing out here?"

Sure enough, the one who slapped him was his own sister. She might not have been the strongest among the Xavier family's younger generation, but her temper was legendary.

The only one who could keep her in check was her older sister, Nerissa. Everyone else? They did not stand a chance.

"Mr. Lufter, take it easy," Janet called out, ignoring the rest of the Xavier family as she gently helped an elderly man walk forward.

"Dad!" Barry shouted in shock, rushing over.

He could not believe it-Felix's words had actually come true. His father was safe and sound, walking out alive. It felt like a dream.

Jace, standing frozen on the platform, was equally stunned. He tried to speak, "Janet, but he "

Before he could finish, Janet shot him a glare sharp enough to cut glass. "Shut up! We'll settle this later."

Felix stepped forward calmly and said, "Take your dad home first. We can deal with everything else later."

Barry was overwhelmed with gratitude. He could not wrap his head around how Felix had managed to connect with someone like Janet. The whole thing was unbelievable. Realizing this situation was way over his head, he quickly left with his father.

Janet glared at Jace again and barked, "Get over here! Apologize to Mr. Zeller right now. You've got no manners! If this had been outside city limits, you'd be dead already."

Jace, knowing he had no way out, swallowed his pride and walked over. "I'm sorry, Mr. Zeller. I spoke out of line."

Janet grabbed Jace by the ear and pulled hard. "You should be thanking me! I just saved your neck. Now get inside!

"And remember this. Don't hang out with those scumbags from the Brennan family again. Have you heard about the chaos at Harmony Clinic? One more screw-up, and I won't be so nice next time."

Jace groaned in frustration, muttering under his breath as he left. He figured Janet had no clue what was really going on.noveldrama

She explained to Felix, "Colin

Brennan tricked Jace into going

after Barry's family. That idiot's been spoiled rotten. He can't even see through such an obvious manipulation-what a disgrace to the Xavier family name!"

Felix frowned slightly, processing what he had just heard. The Xavier family was

not the type to fear the Brennan family, so why had Jace gotten himself involved?

A voice echoed quietly in Felix's mind, explaining further, "There's a rumor of an alchemist hiding within the Brennan family-a powerful one. Jace's been getting a lot of benefits from him. We don't have solid proof yet, but considering the shady business with Harmony Clinic, it might not be just hearsay."

Felix nodded thoughtfully. If there really was an alchemist involved, it explained a lot. Josie's cheating

scandal would make sense-showet

was likely the front for someone who supplied her with cultivation pills behind the scenes—it was a classic setup.

Felix replied telepathically, "Thanks for the heads-up, Janet. I'll get going now."

Janet flashed a sweet smile but suddenly became mischievous. "Oh, I don't think you're going anywhere."

Felix caught a flicker of something in her expression and turned around. A sleek Porsche sports car pulled into view.

Janet chuckled playfully. "Everyone in Westville knows that's Nerissa's ride."