Amalia once again looked at her mother, with newfound respect. Someone who could think so clearly was undoubtedly not an ordinary smart person.
She even suspected that the Vanquez family could reach greater heights, but Amalia's mother understood the dangers of excessive greed, like the snake that tried to swallow an elephant.
With the Vanquez family's resources, she knew they couldn't control more wealth, so she kept the family in check, content with their current status.
"He needs a favor from me, and he must have my approval. You are my weakness, and this is the only way he can use," Amalia explained.
"But this is the most effective way. Arthur isn't foolish. When he brought down the Vanquez family initially, Doesn't you fell into his trap?"
"Yes, The first trick works, and he doesn't need to think of a second one," Amalia's mother replied with a cold snort.
Amalia looked at her in astonishment.
Amalia's mother seemed to enjoy seeing her in this seemingly naive state, just like her father, she pinching her cheeks, and said: "Do you think I don't know? Your father and I have been in the business world for many years. If we can't see through this simple issue, we'd have no face to claim we've been around. Oh, your father, even more so, never said a word when I was there."
"Honey," Amalia's father looked at Amalia's mother with a hint of resentment.
Amalia chuckled. With parents like these two, who were full of life, it's no wonder the original owner had such a sunny and soft personality.
"Amalia, listen to Mom's advice. Arthur, that old fox, went through so much trouble, did so much, and if it's all for you to agree to something, you must not agree. It won't be anything good; it might even endanger your life. On our side, you don't have to worry. We will protect ourselves, and if needed, we can move to a place he can't find," Amalia's mother said, holding Amalia's arm.
Amalia shook her head, "Mom, this world isn't as simple as you think. With Arthur's status, even if you run to the ends of the earth, he can still find you."
Amalia's mother's face subtly changed. She had a vague sense that among the world's elite, there might be another invisible power. What she didn't realize was that her daughter was also already involved in it. "Is it supernatural?"
Amalia couldn't help but smile. Amalia's mother, who rarely showed confusion, was a rare sight. "No, I can't tell you yet. But I promise it won't be long."
"What's the condition he wants you to agree to?" Amalia's mother's keen instincts were far from ordinary.
Amalia's eyes involuntarily revealed her surprise, and she conveyed the answer to Amalia's mother.
Amalia's mother's face darkened as she fell into silence.
"Honey, what are you and our daughter talking about?" Amalia's father looked utterly bewildered, completely out of the loop.
"It's nothing, Dad. You and Mom should go back for now. Once I've sorted out things on my end, I'll come to pick you up, and I have a gift for you," Amalia said, today she was smiling more than she had in the past twenty plus years.
"Alright, alright. Dad will wait for you to come and pick us up, and for the gift," Amalia's father replied, pleased.
As Amalia left, Amalia's father immediately wore a worried expression. "Honey, our daughter has become quieter than before, but she's also more composed. Do you think that's a good thing or a bad thing?"
"There's nothing wrong with it. Her life is different now, and she can't just follow her heart as she used to. As parents, if we can't give her a comfortable life, we can at least try not to hold her back. She's grown up and has her own decision. We should trust her," Amalia's mother saw the unwavering determination in Amalia's eyes and that's why she didn't say more.
Amalia's father rested his chin on her shoulder. "I'm sad."
"What's there to be sad about?" Amalia's mother glanced at him.
"Our daughter has grown up, and she no longer needs us."
Amalia's mother fell silent; she felt the same.
"And, she actually left without telling me how to get such fair and smooth skin!"
Amalia's mother realized her worsening temper wasn't due to menopause; it was because someone's skin was getting itchier by the day, to the point where she couldn't control herself.
Amalia called Amalia's mother on the afternoon she left the hotel. Arthur's request could restrain the original owner and even Amalia's father and Amalia's mother, but it couldn't rein in Amalia, who always did anything as she pleased.
She was make a call to let them know that she had safely returned home.
On a brightly lit night in the bustling city, within a magnificent villa, a group of young people were hosting a party. Those invited were all the children of local dignitaries, including individuals like Alex and Grace with a background in business, who, in this gathering, were just like ordinary folks.
"Samuel, I heard you recently acquired several nice Artifacts. How about showing them to everyone?" Suddenly, Daniel, that lying on a lounge chair and sipping a red wine, spoke up.
Samuel immediately looked at Francisco, who slightly evaded his gaze, his expression darkening.
"What's wrong, are these Artifacts are so shameful?" Daniel and Samuel had never gotten along very well, and seeing that he didn't respond, Daniel became even more aggresive.
As everyone's attention focused on him, Samuel chuckled, "Why not, it's just a little gadget, nothing special. If you want to see, go ahead. Everyone has an Artifact, and you can show off your newly acquired one later."
With that, Samuel took out a basic level Artifact and handed it over.
However, when everyone saw it was a basic level Artifact, despite having an intermediate grade inscription, it didn't change the fact that it was just a basic level Artifact. Most people immediately lost interest.