Chapter 339: Chapter 339: An Unfavorable Start_1

Truman Ridge’s most trusted person was not his son, nor his grandson, but the butler who had already died before him.

For all matters big and small concerning the Ridge family, Truman Ridge would consult with the butler.

He had even secretly told the butler about his dealings with the mysterious woman.

There were, it could be said, no secrets between the two of them.

The butler had lived with the Ridge family since he was a child, and although his relationship with Truman Ridge was nominally that of master and servant, in reality, it was more like that of friends.

Whenever something significant happened in the Ridge family, Truman Ridge always consulted with the butler first before informing the rest of the family.

“I’m the one who caused your death…” Truman Ridge gently touched the still warm body of the butler, his hand shaking uncontrollably.

If he hadn’t told the butler about that matter, the butler would not have died.

“Old pal, I’m sorry…” he took a deep breath, and with trembling hands, he gently closed the butler’s eyes that had not yet ceased looking.

The butler’s death made him fully aware that he had embarked on a road of no return.

The swordsmen in green clothes in the courtyard, ostensibly there to protect him, now seemed more like they were there to monitor him.

Otherwise, how could they know that the butler was aware of this matter?

“Huh!”

Truman Ridge took a deep breath and collapsed to the ground, his gaze empty.

Meanwhile, at the Leopold family’s villa, a completely different scene was unfolding.

The Leopold family hosted a grand banquet in the villa to entertain the Saint Heir and the people from Skyfire who had traveled a great distance.

Outside, a large number of bodyguards and Skyfire associates patrolled to ensure safety.

Having witnessed the Saint Heir’s might, businessmen who had previously sided with Truman Ridge immediately picked up their glasses to flatter the Saint Heir.

In their view, even if the Boulevard League were powerful, it could not withstand a single person like the Saint Heir.

If the Saint Heir took action, Julius Reed was doomed without a doubt.

“I am Maurice Yarrow, the boss of the Three Blade Group!” Maurice Yarrow raised his glass and approached the Saint Heir respectfully: “During the Saint Heir’s stay in Five-river Province, if you have any needs, you can ask me. Though I may not compare to those major businessmen, I can still satisfy your needs within the province.”

Maurice Yarrow was typically opportunistic, having previously flattered Truman Ridge unceasingly, only to now start courting the Saint Heir.

“I know you,” the Saint Heir nodded and lifted his glass: “My people have mentioned you before. The preparations in the old city district, they were all due to your employee Bridger Davenport.”

“It’s an honor for my Three Blade Group to serve the Saint Heir! In the future, whatever you need, even if I have to climb a mountain of swords or descend into a sea of flames, I will not hesitate!” Maurice Yarrow raised his glass and drained it in one go.

“I will take care of the matter you asked for,” the Saint Heir nodded and likewise emptied the contents of his glass: “Give me the details of that person’s whereabouts, and I will arrange for someone to help you eliminate him.”

He was unaware that the Julius Reed whom Maurice Yarrow wished to kill was the same person responsible for destroying their Skyfire.

The reason for coming to Five-river Province was because he received a message from a mysterious organization claiming that the person who had toppled their Skyfire Sect years ago was in Five-river Province.

After many years of rebuilding, the Skyfire Sect, though nearly restored, still remained a joke in the criminal underworld.

To wash away this dishonor, they had to kill the person who had destroyed their sect!

With the blood of their enemies, they would cleanse this disgrace.

“Thank you for your kind intentions, Saint Heir. I will arrange for someone to investigate immediately, but bear in mind that this person is very powerful. Many capable local figures have sought revenge against him and ended up dying at the hands of his employee,” Maurice Yarrow cautiously reminded.

Ever since being blackmailed, he had been constantly thinking of ways to kill Julius Reed.

Later, on the advice of Bridger Davenport, he had persevered and bided his time, ultimately witnessing the downfall of the Leopold family. That was when he decided to continue waiting.

Now that he finally had hope with a powerful figure like the Saint Heir, how could he afford to miss this opportunity?

“I, Sheridan Isolde of Ganny Province, might be an insignificant merchant, yet I am willing to do everything within my power to help the Saint Heir,” Stanley Isolde had seen the Saint Heir’s prowess that day and could only feel his heart racing!

Was this even human? He was practically a Demigod!

“I heard your son was kidnapped? Such a minor issue, no need to dwell on it. If Truman Ridge refuses to help you, I will,” the Saint Heir said to the man before him, lightly smiling, “By the way, I’ll also capture the person responsible.”

“Thank you, Saint Heir!” Upon hearing these words, Stanley Isolde immediately knelt on the ground in excitement, trembling uncontrollably.

He had discussed this matter with the butler in the morning, but although the Boulevard League had verbally agreed, they had yet to take any concrete action.

Stanley Isolde, anxious for his son, could hardly bear the thought of his son being humiliated in Gonzalez City.

Now that the Saint Heir had brought up the issue without him even asking, his admiration for the Saint Heir grew even further.

“Stand up, it’s but a trifle,” the Saint Heir said with a wave of his hand, instructing the man in the tank top behind him, “Arrange for people to rescue his son and capture the kidnapper while you’re at it, leaving that person to this Mr. Isolde here for disposal.”

“Your command is my wish!” The man in the tank top nodded and immediately pulled out a cellphone, ordering the task right in front of Stanley Isolde.

With these two examples set, those who were still hesitating between Truman Ridge and the Saint Heir immediately shifted their allegiance to the Saint Heir.

There was, in fact, another reason they supported the Saint Heir.

The Ridge Family coveted the top spot in Five-river Province, which was clearly something the wealthy merchants did not want to see.

No one wished for a single family’s dominance; even the Leopold Family was only slightly ahead, without completely outdoing the other families.

If someone’s influence grew too strong, they would naturally face joint suppression from other businesses.

Balance was what the merchants most desired to see.

Yet considering the Ridge Family’s aggressive stance, it was obvious they expected these merchants to submit!

“Saint Heir, there’s a call for you. It’s from a woman who insists on speaking with you,” a Western man approached the Saint Heir with a custom-made phone during the toast.

“Who is it?” the Saint Heir asked, looking up.

This was a communication device they used internally; outsiders didn’t know the number, much less the encryption involved.

“The caller said you’d recognize her once you answer,” the man presented the phone with both hands.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please excuse me,” the Saint Heir said with a nod and a smile, taking the phone and walking towards the entrance.

“Who is this?”

“Who I am is not your concern. However, I wish to inform you that I founded the Boulevard League, not Truman Ridge. If you dare to disrupt this alliance, I don’t mind teaching you a lesson, but if you two collaborate, I can fulfill your wish for revenge.”

A cold female voice transmitted from the phone.

“It’s you!” the Saint Heir tensed up upon hearing this voice.

Because not long ago, the owner of that voice had informed him that his enemy was in Five-river Province.

“Unbelievable, the Boulevard League is under your control. Were the swordsmen today also your men?”

Thinking of those swordsmen gave the Saint Heir a headache.

They were very strong, and he had found them difficult to fight.

“Correct, I just killed the Ridge Family butler. If you also choose to disobey, I could start by killing someone by your side to see how you react,” the woman said before bursting into laughter, “Just kidding.”

After that, the call ended.

“Saint Heir, our men sent to rescue the Isolde family, they’re all dead!” At that moment, the man in the tank top ran over in a panic.