Chapter 173

In the grand hall of the villa, hundreds of elites and celebrities turned their gaze toward the entrance. Norman, dressed in a neat suit and with meticulously combed silver-gray hair, entered, leaning on a cane. Two men accompanied him: Lawrence, a bald man with a long white beard, clad in a robe; and Clive, a powerfully built man.

Nearly everyone in the hall was curious, except Gilmore. They wondered about Lawrence and Clive's identities, but Norman's presence indicated their importance. Gilmore, having just finished a dance, showed no surprise; his "God's Eye" had foreseen their arrival. He also felt no threat from Lawrence.

Christine, beside him, whispered, "Gilmore, who's that old man in the robe?"

"That's Lawrence Ray," Gilmore replied softly. "The man with him, the one built like a bull, is his son, Clive Ray."

Christine chuckled. Gilmore asked, "Did I say something wrong?"

"No, you're right!" she smiled.

Norman, with Lawrence and Clive, approached Denton, introducing Lawrence: "Mr. Ray, this is Denton Carter, head of the Carter family." He then added, "Mr. Carter, this is Mr. Lawrence Ray, top master of forearm blocking from the Black Hawks of Sunsbury."

This announcement astonished many, even Denton. While some might not know Lawrence, the Black Hawks were well-known in Sunsbury—a prominent sect.

Regaining his composure, Denton extended his hand. "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Ray."

Lawrence, impassive, shook Denton's hand. "The pleasure is mine, Mr. Carter."

Denton's eyebrows furrowed subtly. He felt Lawrence's internal mana, sensing ill intent. He realized Lawrence might be an enemy, though they'd never met before. This seemed presumptuous. Anger bubbling, Denton exerted his own internal mana.

To onlookers, they appeared to be shaking hands warmly. In reality, they were secretly competing with their internal mana. Their conversation flowed smoothly:

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Ray." "The feeling is mutual, Mr. Carter." "Mr. Ray, your journey from Sunsbury must have been long." "Not at all. Quite smooth." "What brings you to Oakhaven?" "Nothing special. Looking for someone." "May I ask who?" "Coincidentally, Mr. Carter, you know this person."

Their seemingly friendly exchange masked their internal mana contest. Strain showed on their faces; their breathing grew rapid. Denton, slightly less skilled, began to perspire. The prolonged, firm handshake drew attention. People wondered why they were gripping hands so tightly. Gilmore noticed Denton's sweat and realized Lawrence's superior internal mana. If the contest continued, Denton would be injured.

Gilmore stepped forward, addressing Clive: "Clive, from Vista Verde? Weren't you in jail? How did you get to Oakhaven? You escaped, didn't you?"

Clive, furious, turned to Gilmore, "Gilmore Reed, you crippled me and got me imprisoned! I'll kill you!"

Lawrence, interrupting his contest with Denton, restrained Clive. "Clive, stand down."

Norman and Thomas watched with malice, wondering if Gilmore was walking into a trap.

Lawrence, fixing Gilmore with a piercing gaze, asked, "Are you Gilmore Reed?"

Gilmore nodded. "Baldy, looking for me?"

Lawrence's face twitched. "I am Lawrence Ray, senior external disciple of the Black Hawks!"

Gilmore responded indifferently, "I thought you shaved your head for some profound cultivation reason."

Lawrence trembled. "Why did you cripple my son?"

Gilmore shrugged. "Ask your son. He tried to kill me leaving the Horizon Group building. Even with pathetic skills like his, he tried to kill me? Embarrassing."

Clive nearly fainted from anger and humiliation. Lawrence shouted, "Gilmore Reed, hold your tongue!"