George was hesitating. He mused, 'If this man really is Alexander's godson, then Queenie really can find great success. Question is, is he really who he says he is?' George couldn't be sure about that.A long while later, George said, "Mr. Greenshade, worry not. If you and Queenie are really in love, we won't get in your way, but marriage is a big thing. I need some time to think this through. I promise you'll be satisfied."Nox looked at Queenie. Queenie knew she couldn't force her folks to make a decision right now, so she nodded."Please, Mr. Greenshade, have some tea. Queenie, meet me in my study. We need to talk." And he took Queenie away.George closed the door and pulled Queenie aside. "Tell me the truth, Queenie. Is he really the godson of Alexander?"Queenie lied, "Yes.""You're not lying?""No.""Odd. How'd you get in touch with an Empire Corp guy? I never knew about this," asked George curiously.Queenie scratched her head. "W-We met on a dating site.""A dating si

"But Dad just told me Centersea is a partner of Empire Corp, and the bastard knows Alexander. We can't keep up this act any longer. He's going to find out, and when that happens, we're done for!" Queenie added fearfully. "Why don't you just run, Nono? While you still can."'She wants me to run?' Nox cocked his eyebrow."This isn't your problem in the first place anyway. If he finds out who you really are, you're going to have trouble knocking on your door. Nono, just listen to me and run!" Queenie dragged Nox, attempting to make him leave.Nox did not budge. "I told you, calm down. I'm here, so nothing's going to happen.""What are you two talking about? Queenie?" Queenie's parents came closer.It was awkward for Queenie, but Nox stepped in. "It's nothing, Mr. Sanders. We were just chatting."George grunted, but he said nothing more. Queenie was fidgeting, but Nox was unperturbed. Calm. Almost as if he really was the godson of Riverton's richest man.Queenie's mind was racing. '

Total, utter panic had settled in Queenie's heart. She saw no way out. This was just an act, to begin with, but she never thought Hogs and Jezebiah would search for Alexander's family tree right away and throw money at their connections to find out if Alexander had a godson.The secret could no longer be contained, and Queenie had no idea what to do.The silence was making George nervous, and he was almost going to pounce. "Tell me the truth, girl! Who is that man?!""If she won't tell you, I will. I've spent a ton of money to get this intel. Unfortunately, Alexander has no godson. He has a daughter, however. Only daughter. And Centersea is one of Empire Corp's business partners. Ask Silas if you don't believe me." Hogs sneered.Yvette and George were petrified, and then Yvette's legs buckled. She plopped to the ground like jelly. George was shivering in rage, his eyes crimson. "He's not Alexander's godson? You and the bastard tricked us? We're your family!"Queenie was tearing up

The bodyguards swung their weapons. A scared Queenie covered her face, but Nox did not even move. A sneer escaped his lips, and he brought his foot down to the ground with a slam.The bluestone tiles were crushed into smithereens.An invisible shockwave undulated across the battlefield, and groans of pain tore through the air as the bodyguards were sent flying. They fell with a sickening thud, none able to get back up.Hogs was in disbelief. 'Is he even human?' he wondered.Even Silas did not look as confident as he was before.Nox stood regally. "Anyone still want some?"Silas came up. "Remember me, punk?"Nox glanced at Silas."You slept with my woman, and now you're taking her away? Do you think I'm that much of a pushover? I'm telling you, you're not leaving this place alive!"He roared, "Raymond!"With a thud, a burly Raymond came forth. He smelled like sickly, metallic blood, and he had the eyes of a leopard, glaring at Nox darkly."My family has kept you for three year

Queenie fled her house, lied to her parents, watched as someone beat her father up, and now she was cutting ties with them. Never in her life had Queenie thought about committing any of those crimes, but here she was. She did everything in the span of a single morning.Even when she was leaving the residence, her mind was blank, and she was shivering. Nox kept quiet all the way, though he was giving her concerned looks. He knew it was hard for someone to take in all of this at the same time.The journey back to Pearl Residence was a silent one. When they came in, all the pressure and tension finally broke Queenie. Everything went black, and she fell.Quickly, Nox held her up. He checked on her and heaved a long sigh of relief. "Just knocked out from all the pressure, that's all."He took her to the bed and injected his inner energy into Queenie, and then he sat with her quietly, guarding her.Queenie's cheeks gained a shade of red, tear tracks still lingering on her face. She look