A Two-Day Promise

Steffan voice remained calm despite everything.

"Please believe me, I have no reason to harm you intentionally."

Although his words were steady, the atmosphere inside the Ashbourne residence remained unbearably tense. The lingering aroma of medicinal herbs had become strangely oppressive, mixing with the silence that settled over the hall. Every servant stood frozen in place, afraid to make even the slightest sound. Even the bodyguards surrounding the room exchanged wary glances, uncertain whether they would be ordered to seize Steffan at any moment.

Steffan slowly met Dario Ashbourne’s eyes without retreating.

He knew that no explanation alone could erase the suspicion growing in the patriarch’s heart. Right now, only results could restore his credibility.

"Your condition has worsened, but give me two more days, and I promise to solve your problem!"

His tone carried absolute confidence.

It wasn’t arrogance.

It was the conviction of someone who trusted his own medical knowledge. The treatment itself hadn’t failed—someone had sabotaged it. Until the real cause was removed, there was no point in arguing further.

Dario Ashbourne narrowed his eyes.

The wrinkles around his forehead deepened as he silently studied Steffan’s face, searching for even the slightest trace of deception.

Several long moments passed.

"Are you sure?"

His voice had calmed somewhat, yet the coldness behind it was even more intimidating than his earlier rage.

Steffan nodded without hesitation.

"You know senior Miracle Doctor Ravenswood from Valemont, right? His family possesses a set of ancestral medicinal needles that are exceptionally effective against poison. I’ll have someone bring them here to treat you."

As he spoke those words, a faint chill flashed through his eyes.

His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.

Inside, his emotions were anything but calm.

Someone actually dared set a trap for me...

Fine.

I’ll cure Dario Ashbourne first.

Then I’ll uncover whoever is hiding in the shadows.

The humiliation he had suffered today would not simply be forgotten.

As the Martial Art King of Africa, Steffan had stood above countless experts throughout his life. Respect and fear had always followed wherever he went.

Never before had he been cornered like this.

His pride burned quietly within him.

Once I restore this old man’s health...

Felberta Ashbourne will eventually become mine.

And when that day comes...

Neither the patriarch nor his son will be able to stand in my way.

Those thoughts remained buried deep inside his heart, hidden behind an expression of unwavering composure.

After another long silence, Dario Ashbourne finally spoke.

"Fine, I’ll give you two days. If you can’t cure me, don’t blame me for turning hostile."

The warning echoed heavily throughout the hall.

Everyone present understood exactly what those words meant.

If Steffan failed again, there would be no room left for negotiation.

Steffan inclined his head slightly.

"I understand."

He then turned toward Black Ghost and White Ghost.

The two immediately stepped forward.

Steffan lowered his voice and quietly gave them several instructions.

"Go to Valemont immediately. Bring back the ancestral medicinal needles as quickly as possible. Be careful on the way. Don’t let anyone interfere again."

"We understand."

Without another word, Black Ghost and White Ghost bowed before leaving the Ashbourne residence at once.

Outside, the afternoon breeze swept across the courtyard as the two climbed into their vehicle.

The engine roared to life.

Moments later, the car sped away from the Ashbourne estate, racing toward Valemont without wasting a single second.

...

D’Aurelius Family.

Golden evening sunlight bathed the vast private estate in a warm glow.

The rhythmic sound of helicopter blades echoed through the sky, scattering leaves across the beautifully maintained gardens below.

A sleek helicopter gradually descended toward the D’Aurelius family’s private helipad.

Julian D’Aurelius had already been waiting there for quite some time.

Standing with one hand tucked casually into his pocket, he watched the aircraft land with a faint smile.

The powerful wind generated by the spinning blades stirred his black hair, while his golden eyes remained fixed on the opening cabin door.

A few seconds later...

The door slid open.

Lina Ashford stepped out first.

Her long green hair fluttered gently in the breeze, and her striking purple eyes immediately found Julian. Although traces of fatigue lingered on her beautiful face, there wasn’t a single sign of injury.

Behind her came Liza Voss.

Her long black hair swayed softly as she climbed down from the helicopter. She stretched her shoulders slightly before walking beside Lina.

The mission had clearly exhausted both women, yet they carried themselves with calm confidence.

Julian walked toward them.

A hint of concern appeared in his normally relaxed expression.

"Are you alright?"

Lina smiled softly.

"We’re fine, Young Master Julian. The mission is complete."

As she spoke, she carefully lifted a small insulated cooler and handed it over.

Julian accepted it with both hands.

Feeling its weight, his smile grew a little wider.

Everything had gone according to plan.

"Great job. Tomorrow, I’ll take you shopping for some new clothes as a reward."

His tone was warm rather than commanding.

It sounded less like a superior rewarding his subordinates and more like someone sincerely appreciating the people who had worked hard beside him.

Without thinking much about it, Julian reached forward and gently pinched Lina’s soft cheek.

"There."

"You’ve worked hard."

Lina blinked in surprise.

A faint blush instantly spread across her delicate face.

She instinctively lowered her eyes, trying to hide the smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Young Master... praised me...

Her heartbeat quietly sped up.

She remained silent, but the happiness in her eyes couldn’t be concealed.

Only she could hear the quiet voice hidden inside Julian’s mind.

These two really did an amazing job. They’ve probably been exhausted this whole time. A little reward is the least I can do.

Lina’s smile became even gentler.

He... really cared about them.

Julian, completely unaware that his thoughts had been heard, tucked the cooler beneath his arm and turned, already preparing to head inside and begin refining elixirs.

Beside Lina, Liza watched the interaction.

Her cheeks puffed out ever so slightly.

She folded her arms and stared directly at Julian with unmistakable dissatisfaction.

Julian noticed her expression and chuckled.

"So you’re jealous?"

Before she could answer, he reached out and pinched her cheek as well, spreading the love evenly.