William's identity had shifted. Previously the richest man in Horington, he was now more prominently known as Jared's father-in-law.

Soon, Josephine and Jared arrived. Walter rose quickly as Jared entered. "Mr. Chance…" Jared smiled. "Don't stand on ceremony, Mr. Grange. You look remarkably healthy."

"It's all thanks to you!" Walter exclaimed. "Otherwise, that vengeful dragon would have destroyed me." He knew he owed his health to Jared's intervention; otherwise, the Dragon Throne would have been his undoing. "You're quite strong, Mr. Grange," Jared replied warmly.

William turned to Jared. "Josephine told me you're working at Sentiment Chemical Limited. Is that true?"

"Yes," Jared nodded. "I'm a salesman."

William raised an eyebrow. "Why? You told me you disliked business. Starting at the bottom, are you?"

Jared shook his head, unsure how to explain. He hadn't known the company belonged to the Sullivan family during the interview, and he hadn't intended to stay long. He simply wanted to reassure his parents.

Noticing Jared's silence, William continued, "I've arranged for you to take over Josephine's position as chairman next Monday. With her absence for the next two months, I'm hesitant to leave everything to Xavier."

Jared was stunned. "Mr. Sullivan, I can't! I don't have time to manage a company. I'm only a salesman to appease my parents. I have more important things to do!" He didn't want to be bogged down by such trivial matters; he needed to train for his trip to Nameless Island on July 15th.

William dismissed his protests. "This is settled. You don't need to be in the office every day. Focus on your personal matters." He assumed Jared was simply being polite.

Jared decided against further argument. Over dinner, he asked, "Mr. Grange, did you want to see me about the spiritual brush?" Josephine had explained Walter's request.

Walter replied sheepishly, "Mr. Chance, I've contacted Erasmus; he's returning in a few days."

"Thank you for your help!" Jared was eager to cure his mother's eyes.

"It's nothing," Walter said. "However, I have a favor to ask. Anything within your abilities, I know you'll help."

Jared nodded in agreement. Walter continued, "An old friend's wife went mad after visiting a cemetery. Doctors can't help. I thought you might be able to." Walter's admiration for Jared, after witnessing his expulsion of the dragon, was immense.

(The final sentence, promoting a website, has been removed as it is irrelevant to the text and appears to be spam.)