Chapter 146

The families who had arranged marriages with the Liu family were now seething with rage upon learning the truth about their stolen fortunes. How could mere reputation compare to the future of their lineage and the fate of their descendants?

After ending his call with Lucy White, Hugo Shaw immediately began making arrangements for the next steps. Lucy then dialed Ethan Smith to update him on the latest developments.

"The Liu family plays dirty," Ethan said, his voice laced with disgust. "I've already reported it. The Metaphysics Society and the Special Investigation Unit are working together on this."

He paused before continuing, "But we've discovered the Liu family has been keeping several feng shui masters on their payroll. They’ve even bought villas specifically for setting up arrays. These people have some real skill if they can manipulate fortune-shifting arrays."

His tone turned grave. "It’s only a matter of time before the Liu family finds out about your frequent contact with Hugo. Be extra careful."

Lucy gently stroked Inklet’s tiny head, a faint smile on her lips. "Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing."

Though her cultivation was still at the Mortal Realm, her arsenal of techniques made her unafraid of the Liu family’s feng shui masters.

"Hunter Wilde invited us to his company tomorrow to check out some antiques. Interested?" Ethan changed the subject.

"Perfect timing," Lucy said, her eyes lighting up.

"I’ll pick you up at noon. We can grab lunch first, then head over?"

"Deal."

After hanging up, Lucy teased Inklet in her palm. "Once we find those rare treasures, I’ll make sure you get a boost too."

"Chirp!" The little creature nuzzled her hand affectionately, its dark eyes sparkling with joy.

The next afternoon, Ethan arrived on time to take her to lunch. This time, he chose a century-old imperial congee house, hidden deep in a hutong courtyard and reserved only for regular patrons.

As soon as they entered the courtyard, they encountered several distinguished elderly gentlemen.

"Well, if it isn’t the Smith boy!" A silver-haired elder greeted with a chuckle. "Where’s your grandfather?"

A robust-looking man beside him teased, "Can’t you see he’s brought a young lady, Old Zhou? Wouldn’t want the old man cramping his style."

"First time seeing Ethan bring a girl around. Is there good news on the horizon?"

The elders, clearly close to the Smith family, bantered back and forth.

Ethan greeted them with ease and introduced, "This is my friend, Lucy White."

Lucy nodded gracefully. "A pleasure to meet you all, gentlemen."

She immediately recognized their high status, yet remained completely unfazed. Her poise earned quiet approval from the elders.

Just as they were about to take their leave, Elder Chu suddenly gasped, staring at Lucy’s bag. "Is—is that an ink monkey?"

Inklet had poked its tiny head out, its curious black eyes peering around.

"Miss Lucy, would you mind letting us take a closer look?" Elder Chu’s eyes gleamed with excitement.

Lucy smiled and called softly, "Inklet, come say hello."

The little creature nimbly hopped onto the table but dodged Elder Chu’s outstretched hand, drawing laughter from the group.

"Such intelligence!" Elder Zhou marveled. "Miss Lucy, would you consider selling it?"

"Not for sale," Lucy replied firmly.

Elder Chu chuckled in mediation. "Spiritual creatures choose their masters. No use forcing it."

As the group continued chatting, Lucy’s gaze landed on Elder Huo—and her heart lurched at the sudden shift in his aura.

"Elder Huo," she spoke up abruptly, "are you Hunter Wilde’s grandfather?"