Zaria nced at Marco with a slight surprise.


    She considered herself to possess exceptional perception in this limited area, and quickly noticed the


    unique aura the man in front of her radiated.


    In contrast to her practiced elegance, this man’s lofty and haughty demeanor seemed innate and


    confident.


    Such a man was either born into wealth and influence, enjoying reverence from birth, or he had long


    been in a position of power, ustomed tomanding and being obeyed.


    Or could it be both?


    Zaria’s mind whirled as she remembered Judie’s reference to this man’s formidable abilities, which


    caused her to be slightly cautious.


    However, given that she hade to cause a stir at the orphanage, backing down now was not an


    option. Withdrawal would only invite mockery, and how could her family, the Cooper family, continue to


    command respect in the vige if they showed weakness?


    As Zaria’s gazended on her apanying crowd, she felt somewhat relieved. Regardless of how


    formidable this man was, he couldn’t stand up against a united front. She had deliberately brought


    extra people with her, prepared for a war of attrition.


    Feeling more resolute, Zaria red at Marco, her tone filled with disdain and mockery. “Young man,


    don’t be naive. You may be powerful in the city, but this is the countryside. I don’t care about your


    background, your wealth, or your influence. Here, it’s our Cooper family who’s in charge!”


    As Zaria’s haughty words hung in the air, Marco’s eyes snapped up, his expression cial and


    detached, as though Looking at something beneath his notice.


    ninjanovel


    His look seemed to indicate that if Zaria really thought she could intimidate him, she should give it her


    best shot.


    A chill ran down Zaria’s spine as she suddenly understood the sensation


    Judie had described: being stared at by a venomous snake.


    The Cooper family might have gained some wealth and status in their small vige, but they were much


    inferior to powerful folks in city. A dreadful realization crept over Zaria that they were ill-equipped to


    take on the man standing before them.


    But she had alreadyshed out, and there was no backing down now, especially in the presence of her


    daughter and subordinates. To do so would damage her reputation and undermine her future influence.


    Pausing only briefly to collect herself, Zaria retreated behind her bodyguards, feigning indifference to


    Marco’s formidable demeanor. In amanding voice, she ordered, “Get them!”


    Her bodyguards arrayed themselves protectively in front of her, offering somefort, but the rumors


    of this young man’s remarkable abilities lingered in her mind. Acting quickly, Zaria pasted on a false


    smile and attempted to negotiate.


    “Your name is Marco, isn’t it? Marco, consider yourself warned. Don’t let youthful impulsiveness guide


    you. I’ll hold you ountable for harassing my daughter, but if you kneel and apologize to her, I might


    show mercy. At least, I won’t resort to violence.”


    The bodyguards circled around, clearly apprehensive from their prior encounter with Marco. Though


    they presented an imposing front, their confidence in defeating him was shaky.


    Marco surveyed the muscled men before him, visibly amused by their efforts to intimidate him.


    “Apologize? You’ve misunderstood. It’s your daughter who owes an apology to the orphanage!” he shot


    back.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    Zaria’s face twisted with rage at his retort, her teeth grinding together. The people who hade with


    Eloise proved to be just as unyielding.


    “Marco, don’t mistake my caution for fear! Let me remind you, this vige is under my family’s control,


    not the city’s. Your wealth means nothing here. Even if you were buried, no one would notice!”