Chapter 1033:
Terrance immediately sensed the tide turning, and panic flashed across his face. “Ridiculous!” he barked, practically losing his composure. “Just because you claim it’s true, we’re supposed to believe it? Who knows if you didn’t bring an authentic piece just to frame us? Security! Get this conniving girl out of here! We clearly can’t handle someone of her caliber!”
The security guards exchanged looks, unsure whether they should actually do it, but one finally stepped forward. “I’m really sorry about this, Miss Owen,” he murmured as he reached for her arm.
Rylie tensed, preparing to push back if necessary, when a sharp voice cut through the murmurs. “Why are you all surrounding my sister?”
Marcus’s tone sliced through the crowd like a blade. People instinctively shifted aside, revealing him striding in wearing a slate-gray suit, an elderly man walking calmly beside him.
𝖣𝗼𝗻’𝘵 𝘮iѕs ո𝖾𝗐 𝗿е𝘭𝖾𝘢sе𝗌 o𝗇 𝗀𝖺𝘭𝗇𝗼v𝘦lѕ.𝘤𝘰𝘮
He was polite at first, almost gentle. But the moment his gaze landed on the guard gripping Rylie, the warmth in his expression vanished.
“Let go.” He didn’t shout, yet the words felt like ice down everyone’s spine.
Startled, the guard immediately released her. Rylie took the chance to slip her arm free and smooth down her sleeve. “Marcus? What are you doing here?”
“My seminar abroad was suddenly canceled. I thought I’d accompany an old friend,” Marcus replied as he stepped slightly ahead of her, subtly shielding her.
Turning to Terrance, he said, “Mr. Owen, quite the power move, trying to kick Rylie out before she even finishes her explanation.”
Hulda, who had been watching quietly, suddenly stiffened when she recognized the dignified elder beside Marcus. Her voice wavered. “That’s… him!”
Johnny noticed too. As collectors, both he and Hulda had consulted this man before, someone whose expertise in rare artifacts was nearly unmatched.
Johnny murmured, “Rylie has her brother’s protection. Terrance doesn’t have a chance at all. He might’ve just offended her and brought himself into trouble.”
Hulda nodded, fully grasping the gravity. “If things go south, Terra Games might not even choose this place. I don’t think we need to stay for the congratulations. We should prepare to take our leave.”
Many guests had shown up smiling and congratulating Terrance, but in truth, most of them were only hoping to curry favor with Detour Inc. and secure a piece of the Terra Games project.
Terrance felt that pressure and snapped defensively, “I believe I sent only one invitation. It certainly didn’t include you or the gentleman with you.”
Brice Morrison, the elder beside Marcus, stepped forward, speaking with calm dignity. “I came because I heard rumors that Emperor Valerius the Conqueror’s tomb lies beneath this land. I wished to confirm it myself.”
“Emperor Valerius the Conqueror?” Gasps erupted. The name alone sent ripples through the crowd. They all knew the infamous ruler—brutal, ruthless, and stained in blood.
“If his tomb is really buried under this place, can you imagine the size of it?” someone asked.
“Probably big enough to take up all of A7 and A8. And if that’s true, then what are we even doing building a venue and a subway station here?”
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