The Seven Sisters and Their Hidden King-Chapter 332 – Three Days Left

John glared back without a word.

That one look from him made Lucien flinch and lose all his bluster, the fresh gap from his two knocked-out front teeth only making his retreat more pathetic.

For someone who claimed to be a martial arts instructor from the capital, Lucien had shown himself to be nothing more than a coward.

With the Will brothers gone, the tension in the room didn't ease.

If anything, it grew worse.

The Long Family stood there like they had a stone tied to their hearts, sinking fast. Heavy. Suffocating.

Why should they bear the consequences of John Lopez's actions?

That was what they all thought—but didn't dare say.

Sophia especially drew their ire. If Arno hadn't been so protective of her, she should've been married off to the Tennat Family quietly when the old man was still sick.

Instead, she'd caused nothing but trouble.

After some hesitation, Arno stepped forward and forced a smile.

"Mr. Lopez, Bruce Will... is not someone to be taken lightly. Why don't I arrange a quiet place for you to stay? Recuperate a bit. Prepare for what's coming."

John shot him a sarcastic smile. "Mr. Long, how very thoughtful of you."

His tone was polite, but the cold irony in his voice was unmistakable.

John sneered inwardly.

Did Arno really think he didn't see through it?

The old man was clearly trying to quarantine him—make sure he didn't run. That way, if Bruce returned looking for revenge, the Long Family could claim they had no part in it.

But Arno seemed oblivious to the sarcasm. He nodded sincerely. "Mr. Lopez, you saved my life. I only want what's best for you. I'd hate to see you lose because you weren't in top condition."

"Save it. I already said I'll be here in three days. I'm not running. Keep your hospitality to yourself."

Arno's smile faltered.

John turned to Guy Porter, the hotel owner, and gave him a look. Guy was sharp enough to understand and immediately cleared the room, ushering all the waitstaff out.

The Long Family, however, still lingered.

John's expression darkened.

"What? You planning to stand here and watch me until the day of the duel?"

"No, Mr. Lopez, you misunderstand..." Arno began.

"Then get out."

John's voice snapped like a whip, cold and cutting.

He had once held a decent opinion of Arno Long. But now he realized—people were all the same. When profit or danger loomed, even the noblest men could fold. That was just human nature.

Still, he had no patience for hypocrisy.

The sudden shout startled Arno.

A flicker of anger flared in his chest—until he met John's eyes.

Then, his entire body stiffened.

That look...

That aura...

John didn't just look angry—he looked sovereign.

Majestic. Overwhelming.

Like a king sitting atop a throne, staring down at the world.

Even Arno, a Venerable Martial Artist, felt a chill run down his spine. His blood felt like it had frozen.

How?

How could a young man in his early twenties radiate such terrifying pressure?

It was inhuman.

Just then, Jacob approached, his expression guilty.

"Uh... John? Is 'sorry' still a popular thing to say?"

John turned to him, confused. "Sorry? For what?"

"I told Aria your identity."

Jacob winced, already bracing for the scolding.

He knew John had instructed him never to reveal his identity lightly. But when he saw the worry on Aria's face earlier, he just... couldn't help himself.

To his surprise, John simply patted him on the shoulder.

"I heard it. Don't worry."

He smiled faintly. "Even if Aria believes it, no one else will. It doesn't matter."

Because who would believe it?

Who would ever think that the King of Horizon—a living legend in the eyes of the American elite—was just a young man barely into his twenties?

No one.

They'd sooner believe the sun would rise in the west... or that pigs could fly.

That was why, every time someone did learn the truth...

The shock was always the same.