When Yoel received the news, it felt as if he had been struck by a bolt of lightning!


    He quickly positioned himself in front of his father, his voice filled with urgency as he stammered,


    “Dad, please! We can’t turn down this partnership with the Banks Family. It’s crucial for our family’s survival!”


    Lord Elms, also known as Wilfred, frowned in confusion and replied, “Are you joking? I have no intention of coborating with the Banks Family. Why would that impact the Elms family’s existence?”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    He continued, “You’ve always desired cooperation. Since I refuse, they still owe us nothing. Can you really force me into a corner?”


    Yoel felt as if he were on the brink of copse and eximed, “Dad! Why can’t you see the bigger picture? The Banks Family is a powerhouse!


    How could we provoke them? If we refuse their offer, we risk bing their enemies. How will we survive in this world?”


    Lord Elms (Wilfred) retorted sharply, “Yoel! Do you think that if my family distances itself from the Banks Family, we’ll lose our standing in society? Don’t forget, the Elms family is one of the four major martial arts families in the country!”


    He continued, “When my family was among the top four martial arts families, the Banks Family was insignificant!”


    Yoel was taken aback by his father’s unwavering stance.


    Turning to Kairi Elms, he red and demanded, “Kairi Elms! What kind of nonsense has you brought back to sway our father?


    Don’t you realize what a golden opportunity we have? If we let this slip away, you will be the shame of the Elms family!”


    Lord Elms (Wilfred) couldn’t take it anymore and thundered, “Enough! Be quiet!”


    Yoel was momentarily stunned by his father’s fierce tone.


    With a cold stare, Lord Elms (Wilfred) expressed his disappointment, saying, “I never imagined I would raise a son with such weakness! Yoel, my decision to refuse coboration with the Banks Family is final, and it will not change.


    If you mention it again, I will confine you for a month!”


    Yoel felt as if he had been hit by five thunderps.


    He realized he was missing out on a massive annual sum of 2 billion.


    This amount could provide a life of unparalleled luxury.


    With 2 billion, he could ownvish homes, yachts, and private jets—all his wildest dreams woulde true.


    What’s a vi in Sanya? With that money, he could buy vis in Hong Kong, the United States, France, and Switzend!


    He could even purchase a luxury cruise ship to explore the world.<fna89a> Readplete version only at Find?Novel</fna89a>


    With 2 billion, he could have a private jet at his disposal, traveling anywhere at any time!


    And yet, here he was, stuck in this freezing ce!


    All his dreams of living at the pinnacle of life were shattered in a single night, before dawn even broke.


    Seeing Yoel’s despondence, Lord Elms (Wilfred) sighed andmanded Kairi Elms, “Go fetch the Banks Family’s Butler!”


    Kairi Elms quickly agreed, “Yes, Dad!”


    As he watched his father and sister walk away, Yoel followed closely behind, a decision firmly taking root in his mind.


    Since his father was so resolute, he would sever ties with him! He would take anyone from the Elms family willing to partner with the Banks Family and flee Mocheng for a life of glory and wealth!


    …


    Meanwhile, the Banks Family’s Butler was leisurely enjoying breakfast in the Elms family dining hall.


    The Elms family wasrge, with a dining area capable of amodating hundreds of guests at once.


    At that moment, the Butler was savoring a bowl of hearty porridge while chewing on some slightly tough corn bast,menting,


    “I never expected porridge made from this coarse grain could taste so good.”


    Afterward, he took arge meat bun and took a big bite, oil dripping from his mouth as he revealed a piece of meatrger than a ping-pong ball inside.


    “Delicious, absolutely delicious!” The Butler eximed, clearly delighted with his meal.


    Having sessfullypleted his mission for the master, he felt a sense of victory and was in high spirits.


    He awaited the arrival of the convoy to take the Elms family to Southaven, knowing that his master would soon be relieved.


    With a positive mindset, the Butler noticed Lord Elms (Wilfred) and Kairi Elms approaching quickly.


    Upon seeing them, he was slightly taken aback but quickly put on a ttering smile, saying,


    “Oh, look who it is! Kairi Elms, it’s wonderful to see you back! I’m sure Master Banks will be thrilled to see you again!”


    The Butler didn’t hold the Elms family in too high regard; to him, they were merely subordinates of the Banks Family, existing through strength andbat.


    While he considered himself a subordinate, he viewed himself as a top-tier one.


    Among the many dogs of the Banks Family, he prided himself on being the most esteemed.


    He paid special attention to Kairi Elms, as she was the mother of Zayne, the Banks Family’s eldest son.


    Though Kairi had no official status, her connection to Zayne made her someone to treat with greater respect.


    Moreover, Zayne’s wife, Deana, had decided to divorce him, significantly changing the dynamics of their rtionships.


    Should Zayne return, Kairi Elms could have a prominent role to y.


    This is why the Butler was somewhat obsequious toward Kairi Elms.


    Kairi Elms responded coolly to the Butler’s greeting, “Hello.”


    The Butler promptly replied, “Kairi Elms, it’s been years since west met.”


    Kairi Elms acknowledged, “Yes, it has been some time.”


    The Butler continued, “I didn’t expect you to emerge from the shadows again this time. What a surprise!”


    Lord Elms (