The price of betrayal (Jack and Ashley) novel Chapter 634

Or to put it bluntly, in Shelby's eyes, anyone who hadn't made it to the Dragon Ranking was nothing but an illusion.

"The situation in the Eastern State can be set aside for now. I've already instructed the family to investigate Nolan's background thoroughly. He's no ordinary man. Everything can wait until we have the investigation results. After all, a man's reputation is but an illusory thing. No one will dare to challenge us Benton's authority with me standing here!"

As Shelby spoke, he exuded a powerful and domineering aura, one that Everett simply couldn't match.

"Yes, Grandpa. I know what to do. It's just that we might have to temporarily let go of getting our hands on the Spirit of Life Serum."

Shelby nodded and said, "If that part of our plan needs to be put on hold, then so be it. Sometimes, things can change unexpectedly. It's inevitable we'll have an all-out war with Nolan sooner or later. Have you heard? He wants to become the King of the Southeast! Ha! I must say, he has quite the ambitions.

"If he becomes the King of the Southeast, then what does that make our family? But that doesn't mean we can't agree to it. Compared to the benefits of the Spirit of Life Serum, and as long as he meets my conditions, I don't mind letting him rule over the underworld of the five southeastern states."

To Shelby, the underworld paled in importance when compared to the Spirit of Life Serum. After all, it was a precious item that could directly boost his combat power.

Hearing this, Everett nodded silently. Since Shelby had already made the decision, he naturally didn't have the guts to object. Besides, even though he might be saying this now, who really could say what might happen in the future? Perhaps a war could break out at any moment.

"Everett, Nolan can't be touched for now, but that doesn't mean we can't make contact with his people. Especially Harper. After everything that's happened, I refuse to believe she's truly willing to work for him.

"Besides, I once made a verbal agreement with Vernon for a marriage pact. So, it's time for you to bring your bride home."

At the mention of marriage, Everett's face immediately fell.

Everett watched Shelby sigh, then nodded slightly and quietly left the courtyard.

Meanwhile, Nolan was already on his way back to Bellington with Scarlet.

He had no idea the Benton family had now marked him as an even greater threat than Pierce. But even if he did, Nolan wouldn't have cared.

Compared to that, what he wanted most right now was to go home and spend more time with Wayne and Melody.

However, at that very moment, Wayne and Melody were anything but calm. Instead, they were filled with confusion, helplessness, and even deep turmoil from being caught in a painful dilemma.