Chapter 97: Chapter97-The One Lurking in the Shadows

To optimize their familial genetics, some families arrange for geniuses to marry within their clan.

Once a child is born, they naturally become part of House Carter, ensuring the talent and bloodline continue unabated.

Clearly, House Carter harbored such intentions.

At this realization, John's expression turned somewhat peculiar.

House Carter was treating him as a stud horse!

By the bar, Robert, with a stern face, told Theodore, "House Carter's affairs are none of your concern, and certainly, Mr. John's matters are not for Lord Theodore to decide."

Then, looking earnestly at John, Robert continued, "Mr. John, rest assured, we are not as they imagine. Your talent, even in the capital, is top-notch. Should you join House Carter, we will devote ourselves entirely to nurturing your abilities."

John pondered for a moment, about to say, "Well, it's not that I'm completely against..."

But before John could finish, Scarlett slammed the table, angrily stating, "Robert, stop harboring such delusions. John will definitely not agree to your proposal. He has no interest in the women of House Carter. Let me repeat myself: please leave immediately. You are not welcome here."

John paused, surprised; that wasn't what he meant.

Just as he was about to clarify, Seraphina, who had been silent till then, also spoke up, "Exactly. Even without joining House Carter, John's talent would attract countless people and powers extending olive branches to him. He does not need to go to House Carter to continue your lineage."

John opened his mouth to explain, but both women gave him a cold look simultaneously.

A chill ran down his spine, prompting him to suddenly close his mouth and adopt an ostrich approach.

The gaze of everyone present turned peculiar.

Robert took a deep look at the two women, seemingly grasping something.

He sighed deeply, addressing John sincerely, "At the end of the day, we all possess the power of the Crimson Demon, surely closer than any outsider. Our women in House Carter are also exceptional. I hope Mr. John can consider this well. Here's my business card; should you make up your mind, feel free to contact me directly."

After placing his card on the bar, Robert left with the House Carter guards without another glance.

Left in the bar were John and his company.

Scarlett immediately collected the business card from the bar and, under John's watch, stored it in her ring.

She then turned to John, asking softly, "What were you about to say? You can speak now."

Everyone's gaze turned to John, some eagerly anticipating the drama.

Although John's statement was cut off, everyone had heard the beginning.

Now with Scarlett pressing him for answers, it was a scene too entertaining to miss.

John's lips twitched.

With everyone gone, there seemed little point in speaking.

John shrugged nonchalantly, "I didn't mean much by it, just wanted to tell Robert that I, John, am a man they'll never have in House Carter."

The onlookers gave him a knowing smile, clearly not buying his statement.

In their eyes, John was merely another man contemplating the possibilities with House Carter's women—a sentiment shared by most men present.

With John's deflection, the episode passed.

Seraphina, puzzled, looked at her questioningly.

Scarlett's gaze dropped to her glass as she toyed with it, her lips parting slightly to whisper, "Do you like John?"

At that moment, Seraphina stiffened, as if turned to ice.

Inside the office on the third floor, Theodore sat on a sofa.

John placed tea in front of Theodore and asked with a smile, "I wonder what brings the Mayor to seek me out this time?"

Theodore took a sip of tea, not beating around the bush.

He directly said, "When Rean died, you were the closest to him. Did you notice anything unusual?"

John furrowed his brows, recalling the scene.

He hadn't noticed anything amiss.

Shaking his head, John replied, "I didn't notice anything wrong. At that time, I stabbed Rean through with a sword. To escape the control of the Bloodthirsty Blade, he sacrificed himself. Then Captain Victor arrived, and I passed out. I don't know anything about what happened afterward."

John, puzzled, added, "Why do you ask, Mayor? Did something happen afterward?"

Given Theodore's status and power, he wouldn't seek John out without reason, especially not for such an odd question.

If he had come, it meant something must have happened that John was unaware of.

Theodore nodded, his eyes revealing undeniable concern.

He explained, "Logically speaking, given Rean's level, even if he sacrificed himself, he shouldn't have left no trace whatsoever. But when we cleaned up the battlefield later, we found nothing at all. This is quite illogical."

"This... is there a problem with that?" John asked, looking puzzled.

Theodore sighed, "It wouldn't have mattered much, but after the incident concluded, someone took advantage of Eldritch's treatment of the wounded and launched a sneak attack on him amidst the crowd. The sage-tier artifact 'Bottle of Desire,' which was under Eldritch's care, was also stolen.

This means there are still powerful individuals hidden within Stellarburg, with unknown identities and motives, likely related to the Dusk Sect."

John's eyes widened in shock upon hearing Theodore's words.

He had thought this matter was already settled, but it turned out there were still Dusk Sect powerhouses lurking within Stellarburg.

And this person was hidden in an unknown corner, secretly observing everyone.

The thought sent a chill through John's heart.

What's more worrisome is that they still didn't know the enemy's purpose, leaving them in a reactive position.

Theodore continued gravely, "We've been investigating this for a week with no leads. The information has been temporarily sealed, known only to some of the top-tier individuals in Stellarburg; others are unaware. So, you must keep this confidential, absolutely not leaking it out. Otherwise, Stellarburg could plunge into chaos again."

John nodded solemnly.

After experiencing such an event, Stellarburg was already severely weakened.

Just as it was returning to calm, an unknown entity, at least of transcendental-tier strength and clearly harboring ill intentions, had emerged.

If the citizens of Stellarburg were made aware, it could easily lead to panic.

In such a state of universal alarm and self-preservation, whatever the enemy intended to do would undoubtedly be facilitated, creating advantageous conditions for them.