Mumbai...
The Clark Family’s main council hall...
Every important elder had gathered inside after receiving several urgent messages during the night.
Dozens of servants silently stood along both sides of the magnificent hall.
Patriarch Ryon Clark occupied the main seat with a serious expression, while Ancestor Kent leisurely leaned against a wooden chair in the corner, gently spinning a teacup between his fingers as though the entire gathering had nothing to do with him.
Emma quietly stood among the women of the Clark Family without saying a word. Ever since temporarily staying inside the Clark Manor, she had become the subject of endless curiosity, but today she merely observed everything with calm eyes.
Suddenly hurried footsteps echoed outside. Eden quickly entered the hall before respectfully bowing. "Patriarch, Young Master Tony has arrived."
A moment later Tony lazily walked inside while rubbing his sleepy eyes, his long black robe looking slightly untidy as though he had been dragged straight out of bed.
He yawned without the slightest concern for the solemn atmosphere before glancing around the hall with a puzzled look.
"Father... why did everyone gather so early? I was having such a wonderful dream."
Several elders rolled their eyes while one elderly uncle muttered impatiently.
"This brat can sleep through the collapse of heaven."
Tony ignored the comment and casually took a seat beside his father.
Patriarch Ryon silently took out a sealed golden envelope and placed it before Tony.
"It arrived from the Nine Lotus Academy this morning."
Tony raised an eyebrow before opening the elegant letter. His eyes slowly scanned the contents.
"Tony Clark...
To all disciples who received the World Tree Blessing, the Nine Lotus Academy shall hold a grand ceremony to reward the blessed generation. Every blessed disciple is invited to attend. Academy Master Da Vinci personally requests Young Master Tony Clark’s presence."
Tony folded the letter before quietly placing it on the table.
Patriarch Ryon carefully observed his son’s expression. "Do you intend to go?" he asked. "The Academy has publicly announced this gathering. Every major family will attend. Refusing may offend Da Vinci himself."
"Knowing Academy Master Da Vinci... this ceremony is probably only an excuse. The real purpose is pulling me into the academy and questioning me about something else." Tony thought.
Tony leaned back against his chair and lazily crossed one leg over the other. "I need to think about it, Father" he replied calmly.
In the distant corner, Ancestor Kent slowly opened one eye. His gaze quietly rested upon Tony for several long seconds. The old man’s lips curved into an almost invisible smile.
"Interesting..." he muttered inwardly. "The brat is clearly hiding something from everyone. Even Da Vinci seems impatient. Just what exactly did he bring out from the World Tree?"
Emma also quietly watched Tony from across the hall. She noticed that despite his lazy appearance, his fingers subconsciously tapped the invitation in a strange rhythm. For the first time, she began wondering whether there were still secrets inside the World Tree that even she, the inheritor, never learned.
Before anyone could continue the discussion, another servant hurried into the hall and bowed deeply.
"Patriarch! The Frost Family’s envoy has arrived!"
The atmosphere instantly became quieter. Several elders exchanged meaningful glances while Tony simply stretched lazily as though none of it concerned him.
Moments later three dignified elders dressed in snow-white robes entered the hall carrying a beautifully carved jade scroll. They greeted the Clark Family formally before the leader of the envoy slowly unfolded the scroll.
"On behalf of the Frost Family Patriarch, we have come to deliver our family’s official stance regarding the recent incident."
Every elder inside the hall immediately became serious.
The Frost elder calmly continued, "The Frost Family does not wish to destroy the marriage alliance between our two families. However, the reputation of our Young Miss Lily Frost has suffered tremendous damage after Young Master Tony publicly addressed another woman as his wife before the entire continent. Therefore, our Patriarch has proposed several conditions before this marriage proceeds."
The elder slowly raised the scroll and read each condition with a clear voice.
"First... Young Master Tony Clark shall personally apologize to Young Miss Lily Frost and the Frost Family before representatives of both families.
Second... The Clark Family shall publicly restore the Frost Family’s reputation through an official declaration explaining the misunderstanding.
Third... The original bridal gifts shall be increased threefold as compensation for the humiliation suffered by the Frost Family.
Fourth... Young Master Tony Clark shall publicly promise absolute loyalty to Lily Frost after marriage and shall never marry another woman nor publicly disgrace the Frost Family again."
The envoy calmly rolled up the scroll before adding politely, "These are the Frost Family’s sincere requests."
The moment the conditions were finished, several Clark Family elders burst into laughter while others immediately slammed the table in anger.
"Absolute loyalty?" one elder scoffed. "Do they think they’re negotiating with a servant?"
Another elder coldly snorted. "Three times the bridal gifts? Why don’t they simply empty our treasury while they’re at it?"
A white-haired elder looked toward Patriarch Ryon with dissatisfaction. "Patriarch, this happened because we showed too much restraint. The Frost Family now believes they can pressure the Clark Family however they wish."
Another elder laughed sarcastically. "At this rate they’ll soon demand Young Master Tony live inside the Frost Family instead."
The entire council hall erupted into arguments while the Frost envoys calmly stood with dignified expressions.
Emma remained completely silent, yet her eyes quietly shifted toward Tony. She wanted to know what decision he would make.
Even Ancestor Kent stopped pretending to enjoy his tea and carefully observed his grandson.
Patriarch Ryon finally raised one hand, silencing everyone before slowly looking toward Tony.
"This matter concerns you more than anyone else." His voice became solemn. "Tony... what is your decision?"
The entire council hall fell completely silent. Every gaze gathered upon Tony. The Frost envoys waited calmly. Emma watched without blinking.
Tony slowly stood up from his chair. He quietly looked at the Frost envoys before turning toward his father.
"Father, send a public letter under my name." Several elders nodded, assuming he had accepted the conditions.
Tony continued calmly, "Announce that I am withdrawing from the marriage."
"What...?????!!!"
The hall instantly froze. Before anyone could react, Tony continued speaking with complete composure.
"Also include my sincere apology to Young Miss Lily Frost. Mention that I have repeatedly failed to uphold the dignity she deserves. Say that Tony Clark is unworthy of someone as noble as the Frost Family’s princess. State that she deserves a better man... someone whose reputation remains spotless... someone worthy of standing beside her for the rest of her life. Wish her happiness. Wish her prosperity. Wish her a future alongside someone better than me."
Absolute silence descended upon the hall. Even the Frost envoys looked completely stunned. None of them had imagined this outcome.
Tony slowly looked toward the folded invitation from the Nine Lotus Academy lying upon the table before smiling faintly.
"There is no need to continue forcing two incompatible people together." He gently pushed the invitation toward his father.
"As for the academy..." he shrugged. "I’ll decide later."
Without waiting for anyone’s response, Tony calmly turned around and walked toward the exit of the council hall.
No one called him back. No one stopped him.
Emma quietly watched his departing figure while countless thoughts flashed through her mind. She never expected this. "Does Tony do this for me?!" Emma muttered while a rare satisfaction filled her heart.
Ancestor Kent slowly narrowed his eyes as the corners of his lips lifted ever so slightly. "Interesting..." the old ancestor whispered almost inaudibly. "This fellow really knows how to play family games. First, I need to find what he hides."