Chapter 4: Not going to own up?

Words : 1954 Updated : Dec 11th, 2025

"Oh my God! Thank heaven I never got mixed up with that Asher Jauncy!" Juliana Yale hung up and almost bounced off the floor. Tear tracks still clung to her cheeks, yet her face burst into a grin, a world away from the sobbing mess she had been minutes earlier. She clutched Ruth Shayle's hand, relief flooding her voice. "Mom, did you hear? Maria Scurr won't last long! Once she dies, the Scurr family is finished. Then Asher Jauncy will be a stray dog nobody wants!" Ruth finally breathed easy and patted her chest, like a thousand-pound weight had slid off. "My daughter's got vision-sticking with Young Master Zorn is the right path! That Asher Jauncy's just a poor nobody trying to social-climb. Good. Let him go down with the Scurr family!" The two of them chattered away, the panic over being blacklisted by the Scurrs already scattered to the winds. All they could picture was soaring to the top alongside the Zorn family. Thinking of the elite banquet in Zerton that night, Juliana spun and dashed for the bedroom. "Mom, I need to get dolled up! Tonight's Business Banquet is where all Zerton's big shots gather. I have to look stunning-let Asher Jauncy see that I, Juliana Yale, can still shine even without marrying him!" Ruth hurried after her to dig through the wardrobe. "Yes, yes-wear that imported gown you bought last month, and the diamond necklace your dad gave you. Don't let anyone outshine you!" Juliana rummaged until she settled on a shimmery silver spaghetti-strap dress. The neckline dipped low; the hem ran short, perfectly showing off her long legs. She put on heavy makeup, clasped the diamond necklace around her throat, and spun in front of the mirror. "Mom, do I look good? Will Young Master Zorn like it?" "Beautiful! Absolutely gorgeous!" Ruth's eyes crinkled to slits as she laughed. "Our Juliana is already stunning, and dressed like this, you're even better than Maria Scurr! You'll steal the spotlight tonight!" A car horn blared outside. Juliana's eyes lit up. "That must be Young Master Zorn! Mom, I'll get the door!" She swayed to the entryway on high heels, and when she opened it she saw Harris Zorn leaning against a red Ferrari in a tailored suit, a bouquet of red roses in his hand. "Young Master Zorn!" Her voice turned syrup-sweet as she hurried over and hooked her arm through his. "You got here so fast. I thought I'd have to wait." Harris handed her the roses. His gaze skimmed over her outfit, a flash of amazement in his eyes. "Juliana, you're stunning. Did you dress up especially for tonight's banquet?" "Of course." She rested her head on his shoulder, her tone sugary. "I can't wait to watch you crush the Scurr family." Harris patted her hand, disdain curling his voice. "Relax. Tonight I'll show you what it means to crash from the heights into the mud. Once our families join forces and press the Scurrs down, Maria Scurr will be nothing but your plaything." Juliana's heart bloomed. She hurried into the car with him. Asher Jauncy, Maria Scurr-tonight you're in for it. My good days were just beginning. Meanwhile, the atmosphere at Scurr Villa was equally warm. Murphy Scurr sat with Asher Jauncy on the living room sofa. Freshly brewed Longjing sat on the side table. Maria Scurr sat across from Asher, a faint blush on her cheeks. She stole glances at him, her usual domineering CEO aura nowhere to be seen. Murphy took a sip of tea, eyes bright with expectation as he looked at Asher. "Doctor Jauncy, you and our Maria seem fated. Since Maria has feelings for you, why not set the marriage?" "Rest assured, Maria is my only granddaughter, and everything in the Scurr family will be hers. If you're willing to marry her, I guarantee you'll have a share in the Scurr family's future." He spoke with calm confidence. With the Scurr family's assets and his granddaughter's beauty, he believed no man would refuse. Unexpectedly, Asher shook his head. "Sorry, Mr. Scurr. I can't agree to the marriage for now." Murphy's smile froze. Maria jerked her head up. She forced a smile, but a thread of disappointment flickered in her eyes. This guy had promised on the mountain to take responsibility. Is he backing out? "Mr. Jauncy, do you think Maria isn't good enough for you?" Murphy asked quickly, a hint of urgency in his tone. Asher shook his head and turned to Maria. "Miss Scurr's Frostbane was only suppressed for now, not eradicated. The follow-up conditioning will require my full attention. A moment's distraction could ruin everything. If I agree to a marriage now, it might delay her treatment." Murphy went blank for a few seconds, then understood, gratitude washing over his face. In his rush to get close to someone like Asher, he had forgotten his granddaughter's condition. Asher's refusal made him think even better of the man. Not everyone had the character to turn down the Scurr family's wealth. Maria was moved as well. A faint smile pressed at the corner of her lips. Murphy let out a breath and slapped his thigh. "I was inconsiderate! You're right-treatment comes first. We'll bring up marriage later!" Then, as if remembering something, he asked, testing the waters. "By the way, Mr. Jauncy, our Zerton Chamber of Commerce has an heirloom treasure called Warmthborne Jade. A hundred years ago, the Chamber received it as a royal reward. Doctor Sun once said the jade might help with Maria's condition, but all these years, no one has managed to draw out its effect. Do you know how to use Warmthborne Jade?" Murphy had kept a card up his sleeve. The Chamber's predecessors had left word: unless the user was a legendary cultivator, Warmthborne Jade must not be touched. He wanted to see if Asher was such a man. At that, Asher's fingers tightened slightly around his teacup. Warmthborne Jade was a sacred relic out of legend. It could not only disperse Maria's deep-seated Frostbane, but its gentle spiritual qi would greatly aid his own cultivation, which was stuck at a bottleneck. Of course, only someone with profound cultivation could wield it. "Doctor Sun was right. And yes, I know how to use the jade." Murphy's eyes flared with excitement. He hadn't expected Asher to be the cultivator of legend. The Scurr family had truly found a treasure. Then his brow furrowed, a hint of trouble returning. "Do you have concerns, Mr. Scurr?" Asher asked. Murphy nodded slightly. "Indeed. To use the jade, the heads of the four great families must sign off together before it can be taken from the Chamber's vault. But since it will help Maria, this old man will put his face on the line. Tonight happens to be the Business Banquet, so I'll go and discuss it with the other three families." Asher nodded. "I'll attend the banquet tonight as well." Murphy looked even more grateful. "Good. With Doctor Jauncy there, I have even more confidence. Maria, take him to rest first." Asher stood. "Thank you, Mr. Scurr." "What are you thanking me for?" Murphy feigned displeasure. "If you're staying with the Scurr family to treat her, we're family. Don't keep calling me Mr. Scurr. If you don't mind, call me Grandpa Scurr."

Chapter 4: Not going to own up?

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