Chapter 21: Lest Things Change

Josephine had never agreed to marry Jared, yet his earlier words sent her emotions reeling. In that moment, he was Prince Charming—tall, handsome, and utterly captivating. (Remove the website promotion.)

If he'd proposed then, she would have said yes without hesitation.

"No! I can't die! You can't kill me! Dorieus is my grandmaster, and he'll avenge me!"

Abject panic was etched on Falcon's face; a puddle marked his place on the floor—he'd wet himself.

"I'll be waiting!"

With a detached smile, Jared brought his leg down.

Pop!

Falcon's head exploded like a ripe watermelon.

"Ahh!"

Horrified, Josephine leaped into Jared's arms.

William watched, a storm of emotions brewing within him. Walter and Tommy cast him envious glances.

William, though Horington's wealthiest man, was still socially inferior to Walter and Tommy. In this age of martial arts, a business family held comparatively low status. Only a family with a martial artist, or even better, an ancient martial artist, could elevate its standing. Jared's arrival as Josephine's son-in-law irrevocably changed the Sullivans' position. Walter and Tommy would now be courteous.

"Congratulations, Mr. Sullivan," Walter whispered.

William offered a modest smile. "It's still early, Mr. Grange. Young people are unpredictable."

"Precisely, Mr. Sullivan. You should pair them up quickly, lest things change!"

Walter grinned, his meaning clear.

Erasmus had the room cleaned before Josephine left Jared's embrace.

"W-Was that deliberate? Did you do that intentionally to take advantage of me?" she asked Jared.

"Who took advantage? You threw yourself at me," Jared replied, bewildered.

"That's not what I mean! Why did you call me your wife? Wasn't that taking advantage?" Josephine huffed, feigning anger.

"I thought you were willing. Wishful thinking, I guess! I won't say it again," Jared said calmly, then whirled and left, a furtive smirk playing on his lips.

Josephine was stunned. I was joking! she thought. Why couldn't he tell?

William, equally perplexed, pinched Josephine. "Why did you say that? He saved our lives! He's upset. Go apologize!"

Josephine felt embarrassed but, gritting her teeth, rushed out.

"Mr. Grange, I'll get Mr. Chance's spiritual brush and cinnabar rosary immediately!" Erasmus said, retrieving the items and handing them to Walter. "Also, although the frosty energy in my daughter has been absorbed, Mr. Chance said a frosty constituent would re-absorb it. Won't she suffer again soon?" he asked anxiously.

"I'll ask Mr. Chance," Walter promised, accepting the items.

Before he could leave, Josephine's yell shattered the air. "How dare you deceive me, Jared? I'll kill you!"

Jared darted in, grinning. Josephine gave chase, but William stopped her.