Chapter 954

Jacob rubbed his stomach, massaging his face, and let out a long sigh. What a tough situation! He muttered, "What's the update from Hartstone Estate?"

"Three carriages have been moved to the back door. They're loading what looks like gold, silver, and other valuables," came the response.

Jacob nodded. "He's trying to run."

"Should we intercept them?"

Ever the diplomat, Jacob turned to Everett. "What do you think, Sage Everett?"

Everett replied calmly, "Where can he go? He's heading for Valken. Follow them and take their valuables. Let him arrive in Valken empty-handed. Once he's there"

He gave Winona a pointed look.

"Keep a close watch. Report everything he does."

Winona gritted her teeth. "Yes, sir!"

Jacob admired the cunning plan, but the ruthlessness of stealing Hartstone's valuables struck him.

Everett glanced at Kyle and Winona, then relented. "Fine, you can go. Put down the jars and get on with your business."

Relieved, they carefully carried the massive water jars from the room. They were so large they barely fit through the door; any smaller, and they wouldn't have passed.

After setting down the jars, they returned, bracing themselves for reprimands. Past experience taught them scolding was inevitable.

"Thank you for your forgiveness, Sage Everett."

Everett sipped his coffee. "I'm not punishing you because I'm heartless. Blame your hopeless mentor. He blew up my courtyard experimenting with gunpowder and then had the nerve to ask me to help his apprentices in the capital. If I don't punish you, how can I let off steam?"

They exchanged a look. Was Adrian still messing with Nerathian gunpowder? He'd been experimenting since they heard Carissa was going to the battlefield. Previous attempts had ended in explosions and smoke, but this time he'd destroyed Everett's courtyard. Had he actually succeeded?

Winona blurted, "How bad was it? Did he blow up the whole courtyard?"

Her foolish question fueled Everett's irritation. His face darkened.

"Tell your people to handle their business, then come back and continue holding the jar."

Winona left, head bowed.

Jacob sighed. Despite Kyle's fame and Winona's martial arts prowess, they were nothing before Everett. Their usual grace and intimidation vanished; they accepted punishment without complaint. Jacob suspected even Carissa would be the same.

Soon, Winona left, and Rafael, Carissa, and others arrived, discovering Everett's presence. Their reactions differed—one pleased, the other groaning—but both knew they had to greet him.

Everett's reputation in Meadow Ridge was notorious. Violet and Travis would never approach him willingly; they avoided trouble.

As the study door opened, Everett's gaze softened upon seeing his apprentice, affection filling his eyes. His expression soured when he saw Carissa, the constant headache.

Rafael smiled brightly and stepped forward. "Sage Everett, what brings you here?"

Carissa, less thrilled, dragged her feet. "Sir, what brings you here?"

Everett answered his apprentice. "That troublesome martial uncle of yours blew up my courtyard, so I'm renovating it. I'll be staying awhile."

He glared coldly at Carissa, who silently joined Kyle.