Andrew replied, “I wouldn’t say it was me, but I have indeed helped her a lot.”
Victoria nodded approvingly. “Very impressive. You’ve progressed even more than I expected, and achieved even greater results!”
Andrew was puzzled, not understanding what Victoria was trying to express. “Andrew, I’ve always wanted to push you to become the King of Gabo Creek. But you repeatedly expressed that you weren’t interested.
“However, sometimes things work out unexpectedly… Have you noticed that the power, connections, and influence you’ve accumulated are already sufficient?”
Her voice grew quiet and more serious.
Victoria waved her hand dismissively. “Listen to me, let’s put that matter aside for now. Andrew, do you know what special day today is?”
Andrew paused, looking puzzled. “Today? It’s still about ten days til Renewal Day, so I can’t think of what special day it would be!”
Victoria smiled. “Today is Kindling Night for us in the South. When I was little, my mentor would always celebrate it with me and my fellow apprentices at the training grounds. Come on, I want to take you to experience it too.”
Andrew grinned. “Sounds great!”
In the Peck residence, several cars were already running. Flower arrangements, along with various offerings, were neatly arranged in colorful displays that looked absolutely beautiful.
Wealthy families always paid attention to details and honored traditional holidays.
Calvin approached them with a flattering smile. “Victoria, let’s go. It’s almost time!”
Victoria walked with Andrew, followed by Miles and Liliana.
Miles was reasonably polite to Andrew and took the initiative to greet him. However, Liliana snorted coldly with obvious disdain.
Andrew was not impressed by her either, so he simply ignored her. As for Calvin, he acted like he did not even see him. After all, the two had an unpleasant encounter back in Goldridge.
Calvin’s illegitimate son, Terry, had failed to become Jerome’s inner disciple. Blaming Zachary for it, Calvin also held a grudge against Andrew.
“Andrew, why don’t you ride with me?” Victoria suggested as she climbed into the lead car first.
Andrew did not think much of it and got into the passenger seat. Originally, he could have sat in the back with Victoria. After all, he still knew the proper boundaries to maintain.
Liliana pouted. “Mom, I want to sit with you.”
Victoria replied calmly, “That’s fine, just get in. We’re getting late."
Just like that, Liliana ended up in the back seat. Miles followed Calvin into a separate car.
The coldness in Calvin’s eyes grew even more intense. The cars headed toward the cathedral on the outskirts of Blumedale.
Every year around this time, Victoria would go there to offer prayers.
It was not just the Peck family, but the Goldings, the Haywoods, and the Wrights would also all go for the prayer. Some prayed for family safety, others for wealth, and some for longevity; each had their own wishes.
Andrew had never been one for ceremonies like this. He did not want to pray to anyone; he only believed in relying on himself.
Nonetheless, since Victoria had gone out of her way to help him back in Goldridge, he figured tagging along was the least he could do to keep her happy.
Even though Gabo Creek was in the South, the dead of winter still brought a bitter chill. With everything withered and barren, only traces of green remained along the mountain roads in the suburbs.
The three cars drove slowly along the winding mountain road toward the cathedral at the summit. Inside the car, Victoria suddenly asked, “Andrew, you seem to be quite close with the Wright family, aren’t you?”
Andrew openly admitted, “Yes, Victoria. You could say I have a voice in their decisions now.”
Victoria covered her mouth and laughed. “Yara is the same age as our Liliana. But she has already taken control of the Wright family. I suppose that’s thanks to you, isn’t it?”