Chapter 176

Seeing Lawrence vomit blood, Denton seized the opportunity. He swiftly kicked Lawrence in the abdomen with his left leg, sending him flying like a sandbag several yards across the hall. Blood poured from Lawrence's mouth; he was unable to stand. The onlookers were shocked. No one anticipated Lawrence, who had seemed to have the upper hand, would be so easily defeated. The sudden reversal was breathtaking. Everyone concluded Lawrence was weaker than he appeared, and Denton had been holding back, unleashing a decisive final blow. Most surprising of all was Denton's use of his left leg.

Everyone in Oakhaven knew Denton Carter, the one-generation kingpin, had been crippled decades ago, after a leg injury sustained while hunting a murderer. Yet, here he was, using his left leg effectively. Was he not lame? Had he recovered?

"Dad!" Clive cried, rushing to his severely injured father. Claire, Christine, Christopher, and his wife quickly approached, asking with concern, "Grandpa, are you alright?" "Dad, how are you feeling?" "Grandpa…"

Denton shook his head, reassuring his family, "Don't worry. I'm fine!" He was indeed alright, though somewhat weakened from expending too much internal mana. As further combat wouldn't require it, he could conserve his energy and relax. However, he remained puzzled by Lawrence's sudden vomiting of blood. He knew Lawrence had always been stronger. The rapid change was inexplicable.

At that moment, a commotion erupted outside, signaling the arrival of many people.

"We're here to pick up Mr. Carter!"

"This is the Weston manor. No trespassing!"

Dozens of powerfully built men in black, each wielding two axes, burst into the villa's hall, their fierce aura palpable. The Westons' suit-clad bodyguards stood before them, but the menacing black-clad men, armed with axes, deterred any immediate confrontation. A bodyguard leader quickly reported to Norman, "Mr. Weston, dozens of Carter henchmen have invaded, claiming to rescue Denton."

Norman looked at Denton, thinking, "It seems both the Westons and the Carters anticipated tonight." Indeed, the Carters were prepared. When Denton and the others arrived at the Weston party, dozens of Carter's Phantom Guards had secretly positioned themselves nearby. The two families were ostensibly friendly, but their rivalry ran deep. Denton had prepared accordingly. The Phantom Guards, having learned of Denton's peril, swiftly entered the manor. It transpired that, during Denton and Lawrence's intense struggle, Christopher had secretly contacted the Phantom Guards' leader.

Norman, seeing Lawrence gravely injured and the Phantom Guards' arrival, realized his and Lawrence's plan had failed. Even if he intervened, he doubted he could gain the upper hand, given Denton's uncharacteristic fighting prowess despite his limp. He couldn't gauge Denton's true strength.

Norman adopted a conciliatory tone, approaching Denton. "Denton, the outcome of your fight with Mr. Ray is clear. Let it go. With the Carters' arrival, you should return with them. Otherwise, tonight's gathering of the top ten families will become a massacre."

Denton understood Norman's concession. However, weakened as he was, the Westons, as hosts, wouldn't permit the Phantom Guards to finish off Lawrence. Another fight risked defeat. He agreed, as if granting Norman a favor. "Norman, I'll let bygones be bygones tonight. However, if anyone again slanders me as a murderer, I will kill them, even at the cost of my life."

Norman quickly echoed, "Indeed. Anyone who dares to smear you will face my objection."

Denton told Gilmore, Claire, and the others, "Let's go." He departed the villa with the Carters, Fosters, and Gilmore, escorted by the Phantom Guards. The disturbance ended.

Norman instructed servants to take the injured Lawrence to the manor's private doctor. The nobles, their mood soured, departed. Luxury cars streamed from the manor. Within a short time, hundreds of guests had left. Only Norman and Thomas remained in the villa's hall, while Mr. Johnson oversaw the cleanup. Norman's usual affability was gone, replaced by seriousness and coldness. His plans had failed, leaving him frustrated and angry. The plan had been for Lawrence to defeat Denton, incapacitating him, so Norman could seize control and torture him for the Treasure Map.

Thomas, sensing his father's distress, asked, "Father, what now?"

Norman replied, "Let's see Lawrence."

"Yes, father."

Suddenly remembering something, Norman ordered, "Benjamin Palmer is not to be returned to the hotel. Confine him to the dungeon. Prevent his departure or contact with outsiders."

"Yes, father." Thomas dialed a number, relayed the order, and hung up.

They visited Lawrence, who was being treated in a villa resembling a hospital ward. Several private doctors were attending to him.

"Mr. Weston!" The doctors greeted them respectfully.

Norman asked kindly, "How is he? Is Mr. Ray alright?"

"We've bandaged Mr. Ray and administered the finest imported medicine. He'll recover within days," the doctors replied.

Norman nodded. "Excellent."

Thomas told the doctors, "You may leave. My father wishes to speak with Mr. Ray." The doctors left, closing the door.