Holden Cui couldn’t help but feel sorry for his third brother—hurting Serena Feng would surely bring disaster. Outsiders saw the Cui clan’s young masters as lofty and untouchable, but only those born into the Cui family knew the real story.
Being a Cui clan son wasn’t easy. Their status seemed unrivaled to outsiders, but within the family, there were many young masters. Once you stepped out into the world, the Cui clan stopped caring about your fate—survival was up to your own skill.
If you survived, it proved your ability. You’d gain the clan’s recognition, more resources, and assistance.
If you died, it meant you were incompetent. The clan wouldn’t save you—they’d only avenge you, making sure the world knew the Cui clan was not to be trifled with and that their power ran deep.
There were plenty of children in the Cui clan, all raised as elites, and many were outstanding. Losing one or two didn’t matter to the family. Even he, the so-called Sixteenth Young Master—Holden Cui—could be abandoned at any time...
Holden Cui’s gaze burned as he looked at Serena Feng. He admired her resilience and strength. It was a pity such an exceptional woman already belonged to someone else—otherwise, he’d marry her and make her the Cui family’s daughter-in-law.
A woman like Serena Feng was perfectly suited to surviving in a great clan full of intrigue and danger. Only someone like her could endure endless scheming and hidden attacks—and even seize power.
Serena’s hand never loosened its grip on the scalpel, always pressing it against her chest. The City Lord of Night City was growing frantic, just about to promise Serena anything she wanted—as long as she put down the knife and agreed to treat Reid Yale—when Su Wan quietly tugged his sleeve, reminding him: Ninth Royal Uncle!
The City Lord of Night City’s eyes lit up.
Of course—how could he forget that Ninth Royal Uncle was here? Ninth Royal Uncle cared even more about Serena Feng’s safety. The City Lord quickly steadied himself: “Ninth Royal Uncle, Miss Serena is threatening to harm herself. If anything goes wrong, she could lose her life. Aren’t you worried at all?”
It was a good tactic, but the City Lord of Night City didn’t understand Ninth Royal Uncle at all. Deep down, Ninth Royal Uncle was ruthless—if injuring himself could take down his opponent, he wouldn’t hesitate.
Besides, though he worried about Serena, he trusted her completely and would never disrupt her plans.
“City Lord, I trust Serena—she knows what she’s doing. Besides, defying an imperial order comes with punishment. Let this cut serve as her lesson for resisting the decree. Serena, if you’re going to stab yourself, make it count.” Ninth Royal Uncle wasn’t worried at all—in fact, he reminded her to do it properly.
“Understood,” Serena replied smoothly, going along with him.
Dominic Zhai stared wide-eyed at Ninth Royal Uncle and Serena, completely baffled by what these two were really up to.