Chapter 563 E  Cedric had silently observed the entire heated exchange between Francesca and Simon .


    He said nothing until Francesca stormed off in anger , leaving him to fix Simon with a stern re before finally speaking Simon , why do you insist on tormenting yourself over Fran ? Cedric asked , his voice calm but firm .


    Simons face flushed with both embarrassment and rage , Mr.


    Aicker , its not that I want to bother her ! She lied to me she made me think she was with Andrew when she wasnt .


    How is that not a direct insult to me ? Cedric let out a cold snort .


    Youre my top apprentice , Simon .


    If you have nothing to hide , why would someones words be enough to humiliate you ? Simon gritted his teeth .


    Its not just that ! Ill inherit everything from you one day , and the Aickers dont have any male heirs to carry on the legacy .


    If you promise Fran to me the Aickers will have a secure future and so will she ! Cedric was so furious he actually chuckled .


    You ungrateful fool ! Do you even hear yourself ? Simon straightened up defiantly .


    Mr.


    Aicker , I know what just said was disrespectful .


    But you know how much I care about you and Fran .


    Ive always been loyal to both of you .


    Im only speaking the truth , even if its unpleasant .


    If Fran doesnt marry me , who else is going to support this family and its legacy ? Cedrics eyes narrowed with cold fury .


    Fine .


    Since youve decided to bare it all , let me make something very clear -you and Fran will never happen .


    Ever .


    Your so called loyalty to me ? Dont make meugh .


    What you really crave is my knowledge of medicine , our familys martial arts secrets , and Francescas beauty ! Cedrics voice grew harsher as he continued , his piercing gaze making Simon flinch .


    Simon stammered , M Mr .


    Aicker .


    You knew all of that ? Cedrics voice was cold as steel .


    You think Ive been blind ? Ive known about your decelt for years ! I only held back because I raised you and didnt want to destroy the future I had worked to build for you .


    But youve been sneaking into our training chambers , stealing forbidden techniques , and practicing dangerous , unapproved methods to boost your strength .


    Do you even understand the severity of your actions ? By the rules of the Aickers , you shouldve been expelled long ago .


    Your entire knowledge of our martial arts and medicine wouldve been erased .


    Simons face turned pale before quickly twisting in defiance Fine , I admit it ! Ive been practicing those techniques .


    Ive learned from the darker , forbidden paths of medicine .


    So what ? I never used any of it to harm you or Fran ! Cedric roared in anger .


    And you still dont think youve done anything wrong ? Youre a disgrace , Simon ! Simons eyes reddened as he shouted back , Im not wrong ! You just dont have the guts to admit it ! Youre too afraid to push boundaries .


    You refuse to study the power at your fingertips , and because of that , the Aickers have fallen behind ! He gestured wildly as he continued Look at the Weller family ! Look at the Rhodes family ! Theyve left us in the dust because youre too timid .


    If it werent for me , the Aickers wouldnt even be considered part of the elite anymore .


    Youve achieved nothing in years !