Chapter 17: Vanesse Cole

Upon hearing the lazy and seductive voice on the other end of the phone, Sherise couldn't help but shiver, an image of a charming figure flashing through her mind. The owner of that voice was Vanesse, the eldest daughter of The Cole family in Sheyton Province. The Cole family was one of the most powerful and prestigious families in the province, with a history spanning several centuries. A few years ago, a ranking of all the families in Sheyton Province was published, listing them by strength. At that time, the Fox family had been ranked twenty-fourth, making them the highest-ranked family in Eastern City. However, the Cole family was ranked second, just below the Romanov family, showcasing their immense power. As the eldest daughter of The Cole family, Vanesse was a well-known figure across Sheyton Province. Not only was she stunningly beautiful, but she was also a formidable force, having become a sixth-grade martial artist in her early twenties. She controlled more than half of the Cole family's assets and wielded considerable influence. Despite her beauty and power, no man in Sheyton Province dared to pursue Vanesse. The reason was simple: Vanesse had no interest in men. She was attracted to women, particularly beautiful ones, and her allure had captivated many girls over the years. Sherise knew Vanesse because they had met at a business banquet once. Vanesse had been immediately smitten by Sherise's beauty and had pursued her relentlessly. However, Sherise, being a woman with someone else in her heart, had no interest in Vanesse's advances. Despite being rejected, Vanesse hadn't given up and continued her pursuit with persistence. When Redlyn had kidnapped her mother, Sherise had considered asking Vanesse for help. But knowing Vanesse's intentions toward her, she had decided against it. Today, though, in her desperation, she found herself with no other choice. Taking a deep breath, Sherise said, "Miss Cole, I need your help to save someone." "Save someone?" Vanesse responded with a raised eyebrow, her voice laced with curiosity. "Who?" "A friend of mine," Sherise answered softly. "His name is Ruxley. He accidentally offended the Fox family in Eastern City yesterday. Now they've gathered many martial artists and intend to harm him. I know you're powerful, Miss Cole, so I'm asking for your help to save him." Vanesse's voice turned cold, her tone dripping with disdain. "You want me to save a man?" It was well-known in Sheyton Province that Vanesse despised men. Only Sherise could dare make such a request. Had it been anyone else, Vanesse would have already ensured they disappeared. Sherise bit her lip before continuing, "Miss Cole, if you agree to help, I'll do anything—except for that one thing." Vanesse chuckled, a teasing edge returning to her voice. "It seems this Ruxley holds a special place in your heart. You're willing to give up so much for him. I'm almost jealous of him now." Taking a deep breath, Sherise replied firmly, "He's one of the most important people in my life. I can't bear the thought of anything happening to him." Intrigued, Vanesse raised an eyebrow. "Now I'm really curious to meet him. I want to see what kind of man can make you so devoted." Sherise's voice trembled with hope. "So you'll help him?" Vanesse's response was lazy but assured. "Since you've asked for my help, how could I refuse? Don't worry, I won't take advantage of the situation to force you into anything. A woman I've set my sights on never escapes me. One day, you'll come to me willingly." As the evening wore on, the skies over Eastern City grew darker and darker until, by six o'clock, the sky was almost entirely black. By then, the Fox family's forces had fully gathered. Led by Haldis, over a hundred fully-armed martial artists from the Fox family made their way in a grand procession toward the villa where Ruxley was staying. Upon hearing the news, other prominent families in Eastern City quickly made their way to the vicinity of Ruxley's villa, eager to witness the spectacle. Among them were Tarragon and his daughter, Earla. However, unlike the others, they were there to witness the Fox family's downfall. The patriarch of The Bruno family noticed Tarragon and couldn't resist mocking him. "Well, well, if it isn't the head of the Heulos family. What brings you here? I heard you went and apologized to that Ruxley kid today. Are you here to plead for him now?" Laughter erupted from the surrounding crowd, all eyes on Tarragon filled with ridicule. Ever since the news of Tarragon's apology to Ruxley had spread, he had become a laughingstock in Eastern City, with nearly everyone mocking him as a coward. But Tarragon and Earla stood quietly to the side, their faces expressionless, unfazed by the jeers. Laugh all you want now. Soon, you'll be the ones crying, Tarragon thought to himself. It didn't take long for the Fox family to arrive at the villa. Dressed in a black suit, Haldis led the way, his presence cold and fierce. Behind him were the Fox family elders, radiating powerful auras and brimming with killing intent. Following them were over a hundred elite fighters led by Lennart. These were the best the Fox family had to offer, warriors cultivated over the past decade, with the weakest among them being fourth-grade martial artists. The collective aura they emitted was so terrifying that it left the surrounding crowd pale with fear. Seeing the overwhelming power the Fox family had brought to bear, the other families in Eastern City were shocked. They had known the Fox family was strong, but they hadn't expected such a display of force. Dozens of sixth-grade martial artists and over a hundred fourth-grade or higher martial artists—such power could easily dominate Eastern City. Under Haldis' command, the Fox family completely surrounded the villa where Ruxley was staying. Inside, Ruxley had long sensed the commotion outside. When Tarragon and the others arrived, he was already standing calmly at the entrance with Redlyn, waiting for Haldis and his entourage. Meanwhile, Theoleon and the others had taken their positions around the villa as per Ruxley's instructions, ready to act at a moment's notice. Tonight, none of Haldis' men would leave this place alive.