Secret Scion

Castor Yaeger had no friends and no background when he first arrived in the Capital City.

Progress had indeed been a struggle. Even now, two years later, he had only managed to mingle in circles amongst those of similar standing to him. Names like Garrett Schmidt spelled prestige, and they were individuals he could only admire from down below.

Garrett was now taking the initiative to befriend him. It was definitely an opportunity of a

lifetime.

Therein lay the problem. If he defected to Garrett's side, the betrayal was equivalent to becoming Asher's enemy. It was a difficult trade-off.

"Thank you for your generosity, Mr. Schmidt." Castor didn't explicitly state his position.

"I hear that you've got quite a good relationship with Asher." Garrett smiled at Castor. "You were in the Capital City for two years. You must've heard of the feud between the Schmidts and the Crawfords. I'm here in Rollinsford precisely for that matter. My brother must be avenged. Asher must pay the price for what happened to him, but I don't want to hurt innocent people, let alone ruin friendships."

Castor had already guessed Garrett's intention. To put it bluntly, he just wanted to win over the Yaegers.

"I understand." Castor nodded.

"Well then, we won't bother you any further. I'll be the one to host next time. I hope the both of you will be there when the time comes. We'll take our leave now." With that, Garrett got to his feet and walked out.

Castor hurried to speak. "Won't you have a meal with us before you leave, Mr. Schmidt?"

"No, thank you. I've already had one before I made my way here." Garrett waved his hand and left with no qualms.

Radley hurried after him.

After sending the two off, the smile on Castor's face gradually fell.

"Will you defect to the Schmidt's side, Cas?" Dove asked.

Castor gave his sister a look and was surprised to find an expression of faint indignation clear on her face. He couldn't help but grin. "The matter between you and Mr. Crawford hasn't been finalized, Dove. Is your heart already fixed on him?"

Dove did not shy away from the topic and spoke her mind without hesitation. "I don't like that Garrett Schmidt person anyway. I also don't think he can do anything to Asher."

Castor inclined his head in agreement. "When I first arrived in the Capital City, Mr. Crawford was said to be neither arrogant nor haughty, but he is indeed much more composed than he was two years ago."

Dove couldn't help but giggle as Castor complimented Asher. She then asked, "Will you place your bet on the Schmidts then, Cas?"

"Probably not." Castor knew well that Asher owed him a favor, and it would be repaid sooner or later. In other words, there was a foundation to their relationship.

Garrett, on the other hand, only had empty promises. Who could guarantee that he would lend a hand if Castor were to encounter trouble? It was definitely not a wise move to take the Schmidts side, at least not for now.

After Radley and Garrett left the Yaegers, they visited both the Sullivans and the Hoffmans. However, the ones who received them were the heads of the household.

Garrett's purpose was simple. He was doing this to win over the four great households of Rollinsford for his own use. Even if his methods failed, he could not have them standing on Asher's side.

The head of the Sullivans was Freya's grandmother, Harley Sullivan, who was a classic representation of a strong woman and the only matriarch who headed her kin amongst the four great households.

Harley was visibly perplexed after she had sent the duo on their way. She paused and turned to Freya, who stood by her side. "The Leonards have obviously defected to the Schmidt's side, and they had just come from the Yaegers. What are your thoughts on the matter?"

Perhaps it was because she was a woman which was why she loved her female progeny. She was especially doting toward Freya. Everyone knew that Freya was the de facto heir to the Sullivan

name.

Freya poured her grandmother some tea then sat down beside her. "I don't think the Yaegers will join the Schmidts, Grandma."

"And, why do you think so?" Harley asked.

"I'm sure you know what happened with the Stewards a few days ago, Grandma. Castor Yaeger made his position clear then that he was going to climb his way up with Asher Crawford's help. On top of that, the Yaegers have developed too quickly and have long surpassed the other three households. If they choose to place their bets with the Schmidts, it would mean they would be on the same boat alongside the Leonards. It wouldn't benefit the Yaegers. Although the Schmidts are powerful, being from the Capital City and all, Asher Crawford also has an overwhelming force backing him. I don't believe the Yaegers will choose the Schmidts, at least not now."

Harley could not help but be impressed by Freya's speech which was articulated in a methodical manner. "You've analyzed the circumstances well. Your thoughts are the same as mine. Oh yes, you've seen Asher Crawford for yourself. Who do you think is the stronger one between him and the Schmidt heir?"

Freya shook her head. "It's hard to say. I've never been in contact with either of them. Asher, however, must have pent-up frustrations after having stayed with the Stewards for two years. And yet, he kept his silence. It can be surmised from that alone that he is someone who has unfailing forbearance."

Harley thoughtfully nodded. "You can't tell how dangerous a person is just from the way they look. Although it doesn't accurately represent Asher, it still rings true. The Steward's old man had been plotting his entire life and yet failed to notice that his son-in-law was a hidden treasure. It seems that plans just go astray. I'm sure he's regretting it so much that he's turning green. Haha."

"I hear that the Stewards are naming a new heir, Grandma."

"Oh? Really?" Harley frowned.

Freya nodded. "The Stewards were afraid that the Leonards would retaliate against them, so they sought Asher's help. But Asher's condition was that Carter had to step down and have Noelle become the Stewards' new leader. I'm not sure if Carter agreed to it or not."

"The Stewards and the Leonards have long been feuding. Carter is not in the position to reject the proposition. He will agree." Harley got to her feet. Perhaps it was because she had been seated for far too long, her legs had grown numb. Freya hurried to support her grandmother, asking worriedly, "Are you alright, Grandma?"

Harley waved her off with a smile. "I'm getting old. It's time for me to rest. I'll be passing on the position of family head to you after the matter between Asher and Garrett has been resolved. A battle between the strong will inevitably hurt. Freya, the Sullivans will remain neutral in this affair."

Radley lit a cigarette for Garrett on their way to the Hoffmans while also lighting one for himself. He took a drag before he spoke. "I was wondering if you have a girlfriend, Mr. Schmidt. If you don't, can I show you how to pass the time at night?"

Garrett raised a brow, smiling. "It doesn't matter even if I have one."

"Haha. It's settled then. Rollinsford may not have much, but we do have quite a few beauties. I promise you'll have fun tonight."

"You're absolutely right on that front, Mr. Leonard. Didn't we meet two gorgeous women today?" The corners of Garrett's lips curved up into a sinister grin.

Radley had seen through his companion's mind and knew he had Dove on his mind.

"Do you have your eye on Dove Yaeger?"

Garrett said nothing as he glanced at Radley. All he did was smile.

"Dove is quite the difficult one, but Freya can be easily arranged. The Yaegers are the ones leading the four great households. Even I have to yield to her. But if you're keen on spending some time on her, I'm more than happy to act as a go-between."

Garrett flicked off the ashes on his cigarette and said frivolously, "I never waste time on women, but I do have a strong interest in her."

Radley licked his chapped lips. He did not want to spend his time on her but had no intentions of giving up either. It seemed that she had no choice but to bow down.

Livia had remained cooped up inside ever since she returned to the Steward residence. She was afraid that Noelle would misunderstand, and thus, did not seek Asher out. It, however, did not mean he was not constantly on her mind. He continued to linger in her thoughts. Could I really have fallen for Ash?

Livia's face grew hot as she thought about it. When she looked into the mirror, her cheeks were bright red and delicate, as if she had on blush.

She rubbed her face hard. She felt incredibly conflicted. How could she have fallen for her own brother-in-law? How reprehensible!

Knock. Knock.

Knocks resounded through the door and a pleasant voice came through. "Are you there, Lily?" Livia was momentarily troubled when she heard Noelle's call. There was tremble in her voice. It was as if she was a mistress that had been caught in the act.

Noelle pushed open the door and rushed in. She was a scrupulous and precise person. How could she not notice her cousin's embarrassment? She could not help but ask, "What's wrong, Lily? Why is your face so red? Have you fallen ill?"

"N-No... It's just too hot. Hah..." Livia murmured, unconfident in her words.

"Is it?" It was obvious from one glance that Noelle did not believe her, but she chose not to pry. She changed the topic after having hesitated for a split second. "I hear that Dove is going to celebrate her birthday at Julian's private club tomorrow. Were you invited?"

Livia heaved a sigh of relief after she stopped questioning her about the state of her face. "Yeah. I received a call yesterday. I just haven't thought about what to get as a gift for her yet. Did Dove not give you a call, Elle?"

Noelle shook her head.

"That's odd. I heard Dove mentioning that she invited Ash. Why wouldn't she tell you about it?" Livia frowned.

"She invited Asher?" Noelle could not help but pinch her fingers. "Will he be there?" Dove must have had her eye on Asher and was using her birthday as a means to invite him to

her party to shorten the gap between them. Noelle grew increasingly uncomfortable as she entertained the thought. A surge of urgency rose in her heart.