chapter 39 original sin of weakness

Levi glanced at Blake, noting his fierce expression akin to a predatory creature, instilling fear in him. He understood that disobeying his father's instructions today could hinder his progress. Turning to Maxwell, he earnestly admitted, "I apologize for my mistake." Blake approached Maxwell with a humble demeanor. "Master Clarkson, I have been lenient in discipline. Please pardon me." "I will ensure stricter discipline upon our return. You have my word, do not fret." "Let's give him a pass this time, for my sake." … Maxwell proudly embraced Abigail's slender waist, feeling the remarkably elastic skin beneath the fabric. Though his heart harbored secret thoughts, outwardly he simply nodded. "This is my wife. Instruct him to keep his distance and refrain from harassing her!" "Otherwise, saving face will prove challenging for you!" Blake's heart skipped a beat. Damn it, I've been supporting a fraud! Who were you harassing? Were you targeting Master Clarkson's wife? You were an insolent child, just wait. I'll deal with you when I return! "Yes, yes! I'll remember this. I'll surely reprimand him properly upon my return!" Stella and the others stood agape, their jaws nearly hitting the floor. Oh my goodness! Was this for real? Was this person Blake, the head of Blake Group? Was it fake? How could he act so modestly in front of a rustic? Why? Was I on the Earth? For a while, the perspectives of these people were completely shattered. Since when did a rustic attain such a lofty position? Abigail was stunned too. Her ears rang. She couldn't fathom why Blake was being so courteous to Maxwell. Lost in thought, she didn't even notice Maxwell's arm around her waist. In response to Blake, Maxwell uttered, "Hmm," and declared, "Alright, let's call it quits." As he prepared to escort Abigail away, a group of individuals entered from the outside. At the forefront stood a tall, slender young man with slicked-back hair, clad in a white suit. Possessing an extraordinary aura, he garnered significant attention from the onlookers. "Eh?" His eyes met Abigail's, and his face immediately showed surprise, "There's such a beautiful girl! She's my type!" Jack walked up to Abigail, ignoring Maxwell beside her, and smiled, "Hello Ms. Jerome, care to have a few drinks with me?" Abigail frowned slightly, her expression icy, "I'm sorry, I'm not interested! I don't know you!" Jack smiled carelessly, "No problem, we'll get acquainted over a few drinks! Come on, follow me to the box." Everyone was shocked. Who was this guy? He was so audacious! He was bothering Abigail in public. Didn't he see someone kneeling there? That was the young boss of Blake Group! … After that, Jack reached for Abigail's hand. "Stop!" Blake's angry voice rang out. He was concerned about not getting a chance to mend things with Maxwell, but then this audacious guy showed up out of the blue. This was the perfect opportunity! Blake kicked Levi and whispered, "Why are you just standing there? Go and help!" Levi got the hint and immediately stood up. He suddenly leaped in front of Jack, shielding Maxwell and Abigail. Anger flashed across Jack's face, "Go away!" Levi looked smug and smirked. "Kid, do you know who I am?" "My father is the head of the Blake Group." "If you dare to bother this young lady, kneel and apologize." "Otherwise, you'll be sorry..." Cracked! Before he could finish speaking, a heavy slap landed on his face. Levi was shocked and stood there. His hand instinctively covered his face as he gazed at the man in the white suit in disbelief. Today, he had lost track of the number of times he had been slapped. Maxwell had struck him. His father had struck him. And now this boy, out of nowhere, had slapped him once more. Was it intolerable? "Asshole!" Levi erupted, "I'll end you! I will end you for sure!" Blake approached, seizing the somewhat disturbed Levi, and fixed a cold stare on Jack, "Do you even know who you're messing with?" Jack sneered, "Just a lunatic. Is he yours?" Blake chuckled bitterly, "Seems like you underestimate the power of the Blake Group. Have I, Blake, been too subtle all this while? What if you..." Cracked! Cracked! Jack's two slaps made Blake recoil his final words. "You!" Blake's eyes blazed with anger as he shouted, "Why are you just standing there? Hit me! Hit me until I'm dead!" Immediately, eight burly men charged at Jack brandishing rubber sticks. "Stop! No fighting allowed here!" A stern voice echoed from the corner of the lobby. A middle-aged man strode towards them. Blake's expression shifted upon seeing the approaching figure. It was revealed to be Robert, the proprietor of Hubo Grand Hotel. Although Robert's business empire may not rival that of the Blake Group, his connections ran deep. With Robert intervening, Blake hesitated to cause trouble on his turf. Taking a deep breath, Blake exclaimed, "Brother Clausen, you arrived just in time! Jack is causing chaos and attacking people! Open a box for me, and I'll handle him! I won't forget this kindness." Robert sneered, "Get a private room for you? What's your plan?" "To take care of him!" "Oh..." Robert glanced at Jack, "Master Seabrooke, someone's looking to confront you." Jack smirked and raised his arms. Smacked! Another slap landed on Blake's face. Enraged, Blake almost spat blood, "Brother Clausen, did you witness that? This guy dares to strike me in your presence! He's disrespecting us!" Robert sneered, "That was just a light hit." "Even if I were to kill you, I'd only be a spectator." "Do you recognize this individual?" "Connor, the third son of the Seabrooke Family in Hesningington, the provincial capital!" "Master Seabrooke, it will be a privilege to deliver a few slaps to you." Blake was shaken, nearly collapsing to the ground. Intense fear coursed through his entire body. The Seabrooke Family of Hesningington! A colossal presence! Interwoven with numerous ties to Rougerntwood City! What a grave mistake I've made! I only sought to please Master Clarkson, how did I stumble upon such an immovable obstacle? Connor smirked faintly and slapped Blake's face derisively, "Blake... I'm going to strike you, any objections?" Blake quivered, consumed by profound shame, driving him to the brink of madness, yet unable to provoke the wrath of the Seabrooke family, he bore it silently. Connor suddenly exerted more force and struck Blake in the face once more. His voice grew louder, "Speak up! Do you have any objections?" "No...no...opinion..." These four words seemed to sap all the strength from Blake's body, causing him to appear diminished. "Hahaha!" Connor laughed triumphantly. Abruptly, his laughter ceased, his gaze turned icy, and he commanded, "Kneel! Bow and confess your mistakes!" "You..." Blake's head spun as he knelt before the onlookers. His reputation would be tarnished. He sought support from Robert, but all he received was a smirk of schadenfreude. He yearned to resist, yet he lacked courage. The Seabrooke family would obliterate him. Never underestimate them! A sigh. Filled with endless bitterness. Weakness was the fundamental flaw in the game of power! Blake shut his eyes and slowly bent his knees.