C7 The Clues from Back Then

The next morning, Tella stepped out of her bedroom, greeted by the enticing scent wafting from the kitchen.

"Why not sleep in a bit more?" Wood suggested, emerging from the kitchen with breakfast in hand.

Tella was taken aback by the lavish spread before her. She was used to the quiet mornings with just her and her daughter Han Xiaohe, waking up early to cook and avoiding hiring a nanny to spare her daughter any hardship.

It was the first time she had woken up to a ready-made breakfast. A whirlwind of emotions swirled in Tella's heart.

"Don't just stand there, go wake the kids," Wood said softly. "I've already enrolled Eldon in the same class as Xiaowo."

"I'll take them to school later," Tella replied, still adjusting to the change. The solitude of her many years was suddenly disrupted, and she found herself wanting to retreat.

Wood, perceptive of Tella's reluctance, quickly altered his plans to accompany them, nodding in understanding.

After breakfast, Tella escorted the two youngsters to school. Shortly thereafter, Denis arrived, his demeanor stern and his pace brisk.

"Denis, what's going on?" Wood, who had been tender just moments ago, now embodied the steely resolve of a commander, sipping his tea calmly.

"Commander, I've uncovered some leads on the border attack," Denis reported.

With a crash, Wood's teacup shattered in his grip, his expression darkening.

"Go on."

Wood's brooding presence was as intense as a tempest, and Denis, standing to the side, felt overwhelmed. He quickly relayed, "It's the Ortega family from Vriayledo. The incident was shrouded in secrecy, and five years have passed, but these are the leads we've uncovered so far."

"Your diligence is appreciated. Keep digging, and arrange transportation for me to Vriayledo. I'm going there myself," Wood commanded, his voice icy.

A shiver ran through Denis as he contemplated the Ortega family's fate.

"I'll make the arrangements immediately."

Vriayledo, the Ortega family estate

A sleek black sedan raced from the distance, coming to a stop at the Ortega residence. The door swung open, and Wood stepped out, his expression icy. The vast parking lot was a showcase of luxury vehicles, each worth at least a million.

"Do you need me to get some people together, Commander?" Denis, serving as the driver for the day, inquired.

Wood let out a derisive chuckle. "The Ortega family doesn't warrant such a fuss."

With that, he strode toward the heart of the Ortega estate. Approaching the main entrance, he was promptly intercepted by security.

"Sir, may I see your invitation?" The guard eyed Wood's simple attire, unable to place the fabric, though it bore no recognizable label—likely a no-name brand.

"I don't have one."

As expected, the guard bristled at Wood's reply.

"Without an invitation, you're not getting in, kid."

The guard's demeanor took a sharp turn upon realizing Wood lacked an invitation, his address shifting to something less respectful.

"There's nowhere I wish to go that can bar my way," Wood declared, his voice laced with authority. As the God of Soldier, there were few places off-limits to him. He'd dare to penetrate the core of Frieca, so the Ortega villa was hardly a challenge.

Casting a glance at the lively scene, Wood smirked. "Is today a special occasion for the Ortega family?"

"You're clueless about that too? You really are out of the loop," the guard mocked.

"Today marks the engagement celebration of our young master and the Stark family. Just look at the parade of high-end cars. Someone like you doesn't even deserve to step through the gates."

"Beat it. This isn't a place for panhandlers," the guard said disdainfully, dripping with sarcasm.

Wood simply smiled. "Seems arriving early has its perks. Perfect timing."

"Listen, kid, don't you dare cause a scene. Scram."

"What's a nobody like you trying to pull? One more word and you'll regret it," the guard barked, his voice harsh.

Mid-sentence, he drew a baton from his belt and swung it at Wood's head.

Zhang Fan's eyes flashed with an icy glint, but just then, a voice called out from behind.

"What's the meaning of this? Today's my brother's big day. Why the need for weapons?"

Upon recognizing the voice, the security guard quickly retracted his baton, his face breaking into an obsequious grin. "Miss, my apologies. This young man here was being difficult, insisting on entering without an invitation."

"Oh?" Janette turned, her gaze sweeping over Wood from head to toe.

A playful smile danced on her lips as she observed, "I must say, I wasn't expecting to find such a handsome man."

"If it were anyone else, they might have had a rough day. But handsome men like you? You get special treatment."

"Follow me, I'll take you inside." Janette's eyes sparkled, and she reached out to loop her arm through Wood's.

But Wood sidestepped her advance, saying, "I'm not interested in cuddling with a stranger."

"How dare you! Do you realize who you're speaking to? This is the eldest daughter of the Ortega family."

"It's your lucky day that Miss Janette has taken a liking to you. Don't be foolish and ungrateful," the security guard snapped, jealousy flashing in his eyes.

That pretty boy is so fortunate... to have caught the young lady's eye.

"Ha, you've got quite the personality, handsome. I like your style," Janette chuckled.

"Come on, let me show you around." She teased, flicking her tongue across her tempting red lips.

Wood ignored her advances and strode through the gates of the Ortega estate.

They arrived at the Ortega family's grand reception hall, teeming with the elite of Vriayledo society, a gathering of the most influential personalities from all walks of life.

Janette sidled up to Wood, her voice sugary with a hint of mockery, "Handsome, is this your first time at such a high-society event?"

"Usually, it's rare to rub shoulders with such VIPs. That's the perk of having power."

"With enough clout, those who are untouchable to the average person will grovel at your feet like dogs."

She expected her words to excite Wood, but to her disappointment, his expression remained utterly unchanged from start to finish.

"Are you saying that if you met someone with more clout, you'd be licking their boots just like a dog?" Wood quipped, his eyebrow arching with interest.

Whoosh!

In an instant, Janette's face turned stormy, the flirtatiousness that had been there moments ago vanished without a trace.

"Do you have any idea what kind of consequences come with talking to me that way?" Janette's voice was icy.

Wood let out a scoff, "The list of people who could take me out is short, and I assure you, the Ortega family doesn't make the cut."

"Quite the bold statement. I'm curious where such confidence stems from. I'm rather eager to put it to the test," Janette's smile contorted into a grimace.

As the tension was about to peak, a buzz erupted among the attendees in the hall.

"The esteemed patriarch of the Ortega family has arrived."