Secret Scion

Inside the Schmidt residence in the Capital City, Xavier Schmidt sat before a chessboard, manipulating the black and red pieces on it, with both sides suffering heavy losses.

"You wanted to see me, Grandpa?"

Rose Schmidt walked in to witness Xavier playing by all his lonesome and decided to take a look

at what was happening on the board. Both sides were losing pieces and yet it was hard to tell the difference.

"You've been back in the Capital City for a few days now, yes?" Xavier picked up the final red piece but seemed to be at a loss as to where it should go. He hesitated before setting the piece

back onto its original spot.

"It's been a week."

Rose had not gone anywhere for the entirety of the week and had shut herself indoors to reflect.

She had been smug about the situation in Rollinsford and had not taken Asher Crawford into account. The result of her negligence had her returning defeated. Her confidence had taken quite a blow.

Someone whom she had looked down on had thoroughly defeated her. There was no way she was going to recover so quickly from the devastation. Asher was even someone who had once tried to court her.

If she had not refused his pursuit of her back then...

Rose quickly pinched herself at the thought, forcing her back to reality.

"I heard from Rodrick that the responsibility of what happened in Rollinsford does not lie with you. You shouldn't keep blaming yourself. That rascal, Asher, has grown in the past two years after settling down," Xavier said with great indifference.

"It was my incompetence that brought shame to this family, Grandpa. But I promise you, I'll settle this score with him sooner or later," Rose said with absolute confidence.

"There's no rush. Asher will definitely return to the Capital City once the dust settles in Rollinsford. It won't be too late to deal with him then." Xavier hesitated for a split second before asking, "You were in Rollinsford for quite a while, Rose. Have you found any hidden fighters lingering around Asher?"

"Hidden fighters?" Rose knitted her brows and thought about it before shaking her head. "I had minimal run-ins with Asher. I didn't notice some fighter hidden in the shadows."

Rose had no knowledge that Xavier had arranged for Rodrick to assassinate Asher on the night she returned to the Capital City. Xavier also did not want the matter to spread. He was simply curious as to who had injured Rodrick.

Rodrick was well-known as a powerhouse in the Capital City. Rollinsford was simply an insignificant little city. There was simply no way for such a powerful person to exist there. That was why Xavier believed that this mysterious expert fighter was likely sent by the Crawfords. Yet, he had never once heard the Crawfords boasting that level of strength.

Rose quickly guessed that her grandfather was hiding something from her when she noticed him

so deep in thought. She, however, chose not to pry since he did not bring it up.

After a few moments, Xavier spoke, "It's nothing. You should go ahead with your work."

She nodded. Just as she had left Xavier's room, a subordinate approached her. "Savannah Anderson is here, Miss. She said she's here to see you."

The Schmidts had been jewelers for the past four generations. They had recently grown to become the largest jewel dealer in the Capital City and earned a fortune, but for a large household like the Schmidts, profit was no longer its main purpose. It involved pushing them into newer heights to develop their influence.

The temperature in the Capital City was still high, but due to the terrain and environment of the Schmidt's manor, it did not feel humid at all.

Rose was used to wearing sportswear while at home, but even so, her full figure remained extremely attractive.

She strolled idly next to Savannah Anderson on a tree-lined path.

Savannah was no show-stopping stunner, but having been raised within the Anderson household

that influenced her every move made her seem outstanding.

"Ms. Schmidt, I've collected all the information and family backgrounds of those people you want. I'll have someone send them to you later."

Savannah had received a phone call from Rose a few days ago with a request for the former to collect information on the infamous gentrified young men and young ladies of the Capital City. Her purpose for doing so was obvious. Rose wanted to recruit them for her own use in order to strengthen the Schmidt's standing in the city.

Savannah did not dare to slack off and had been busy for the past few days.

"You've done well." Rose nodded in satisfaction.

The Anderson woman was flattered and said with a smile, "I can't be negligent when it's you who have personally requested this of me, Ms. Schmidt."

"I heard that your brother had a run-in with Asher a few days ago? How was the matter handled?" Rose asked.

Savannah answered truthfully, "He compensated Asher with a new car." After pondering for a moment, she added, "The blame lies on Tristan for being so big-headed. He could've provoked literally anyone but he ended up provoking Asher. If it weren't for Asher, Tristan would've been beaten up by Griffin.

"The might of the Quinns aren't inferior to that of the Crawfords. As a representative of the younger generation of the Quinns, Griffin doesn't care about anyone. Such an arrogant guy just had to be associated with Asher. Who knows what's wrong with him? Birds of a feather flock together perhaps. It's Tristan who suffered the loss this time. A lesson well-learnt for a price well paid. Otherwise, it would come back to bite him. There's no need to think about taking revenge. There's no need for that. It wouldn't be too late to regain honor when the chance arises." Savannah nodded. "I understand, Ms. Schmidt." Even if Rose had not reminded her, she would not dare to trouble Asher.

Asher stayed in the Capital City for about a week and only departed for Rollinsford a few days after in the morning.

After arriving in Rollinsford, Asher first sought out Hunter Larson. He was, right now, most concerned about the matter regarding the Hoffmans.

Asher lay on a couch in Hunter's clubhouse. He was tired after having driven long distances. Hunter brought a cup of tea and respectfully placed it before Asher. "Did you have a pleasant trip back in the Capital City, Mr. Crawford? I visited the city a few years ago with Master Ford but it had always been to run errands. I've never stayed more than a few days there. I would like to accompany you when the opportunity arises."

He deliberately said the words to nudge Asher that he wanted to go to the Capital City to grow. Asher, of course, understood with his intelligence. He sat up and downed a mouthful of tea. "The situation in the Capital City is far more complicated than it is in Rollinsford. You wouldn't have a good foothold as a foreigner. But it doesn't mean you won't have the opportunity. It all comes down to how you, Hunter Larson, can hold up."

Hunter nodded with a smile. "I get it."

"How's it going with the Hoffmans? Didn't you say that you want Kendrick Hoffman to marry your mother within ten days? The deadline is approaching, isn't it?"

"The Hoffmans said that they will pick my mother up tomorrow."

"Oh?" Asher grinned. "It seems I came back just in time. You'll become the rightful heir to the Hoffmans once Kendrick and your mother are married. Congratulations. Haha."

"You jest, Mr. Crawford." Hearing this, Hunter also shook his head with a wry smile. That was when he seemed to have recalled something of importance and hesitated before speaking, "Mr. Crawford, remember when you had me send someone to covertly protect Ms. Steward..." "Did something happen to her?" Asher jumped the gun and asked.

"Take it easy, Mr. Crawford. She's fine," he answered. "It's just that she seems to be getting close to an unfamiliar man recently..."

"Unfamiliar man?" Asher was stunned and could not help but be surprised.

Hunter nodded. "I couldn't believe it myself at first. So, I personally tailed Ms. Steward and found out that the young man is Tony Jacobson, the son of the president of Galaxium Entertainment. As far as I know, Tony has quite a few women hovering around him and many second and third rate actresses have ambiguous relationships with him. I worry that he doesn't hold good intentions for Ms. Steward, Mr. Crawford.

Asher frankly did not believe that Noelle could have gotten along with another man in such a short time. Hunter could have gotten it wrong.

He, however, suddenly recalled a time when Candace Weiss called him up a few days ago and immediately felt rather unsettled.