Chapter 4 The Kanes' Plan

Joel was excited. He was indeed obsessed with Abigail. A very intense obsession. Three years ago, before Ryan died, when Ryan was dating Abigail, Joel had fallen deeply in love with her. As undisputedly the most beautiful woman in Fregend, it wasn't just talk, her looks and figure would make any man fall for her. The most crucial factor was that Abigail was Ryan's woman. That single fact alone was enough to fuel his obsession. Just then ... "Joel, have you contact Mr. Eaton's servant?" A voice interrupted Joel's thoughts. It came from a middle-aged man dressed in a purple suit, with a proud posture, half-white sideburns, a square face, medium build, and an aura of authority. The man was Logan Kane, head of the Kane family and Joel's father. "I've contacted him. Mr. Eaton will attend the wedding today as scheduled," Joel said respectfully, his expression tinged with a hint of excitement. God only knew how much the Kanes had sacrificed to secure a connection with the third son of the Eatons of Aetheria. The Eatons of Aetheria were considered a second-tier family in Aetheria, not particularly powerful there, but far superior to any family in Fregend. Families like the Kanes wouldn't normally have the privilege of having a relationship with the Eatons. However, Joel was lucky. A year ago, he had a chance meeting with Mark Eaton, the third son of the Eatons. Mark was the typical spoiled heir, indulging in gambling, horse racing, golf, and beautiful women. Joel, eager to win his favor, quickly became close friends with him. Today, Joel's wedding was the talk of all Fregend. Prominent family heads, direct heirs, and influential figures would all be in attendance. In such a highly publicized event, if Mark attended and was seen by everyone, the Kanes' standing in Fregend would surely be elevated. While the Kanes had been rapidly rising over the past three years, their foundation remained weak. Although they were now a leading family in Fregend, Logan and Joel's ambitions stretched far beyond that. They aimed to push the Kanes into the ranks of Fregend's old aristocratic families. Even if they couldn't fully break into that circle, they at least wanted to be able to engage with these established families on equal terms. To achieve this goal, father and son had put in a great deal of effort. One of their plans was to marry Abigail and, over time, gradually taking over the Xander family. Making their connection to the Eatons of Aetheria known at today's wedding was another step in that strategy. As for the old aristocratic families of Fregend, there were only two—the Solomons and the Rileys. The Solomons and the Rileys were both low-key, but their influence in Fregend was unmatched. Even the Howells, who had reached the height of power just three years ago, would never dare to cross these two families. Each had been established for over a century, with countless secrets hidden within their lineage. Rumors even circulated that both families had cultivated legendary martial artists among their ranks. Martial artists had always been a legend, ordinary people in Celestia didn't believe in them and had no access to such knowledge. However, those who reached a certain level of status and influence would come to realize that martial artists were real. The uniqueness, power, and mystery of martial artists were truly mesmerizing. Over the past year, Logan had spent hundreds of millions, using his connections in hopes of finding martial arts techniques or related knowledge. Unfortunately, he found nothing. In the end, Logan concluded that the best approach was to focus on the Solomons and the Rileys. Today, with Joel's wedding, both the Solomons and the Rileys would send representatives to show respect. If they saw Joel and Mark Eaton, the third son of the Eatons, as close friends, there could be an opportunity for change. "Romantic feelings aren't that important," Logan said, stepping forward and patting Joel on the shoulder. "Besides, after today, Abigail will officially be your wife." His son was outstanding, and over the past three years, Logan was very satisfied with him. The only thing that hadn't gone quite right was his obsession with Abigail. Today, on the day of the wedding, his son's emotional excitement was understandable, and Logan could relate. "Yeah, thanks, Dad," Joel replied with a smile, then hesitated before asking, "Will my brother attend today?" There was uncertainty in Joel's voice. Joel had a younger brother, his biological sibling. Not many people in Fregend knew about this, as seven years ago, Joel's younger brother, Jeremy Kane, went abroad. In those seven years, Jeremy had never returned and hadn't even been in contact with the family. "He might show up," Logan said, his voice carrying a hint of complexity and a trace of regret. "I've contacted him, but haven't received a clear response." Seven years ago, 16-year-old Jeremy left the country because of his rebellious behavior and refusal to study. In a fit of anger, Logan had disciplined him harshly. At the time, the Kanes were going through a crisis, and Logan, already in a bad mood, had gone too far. He accidentally broke Jeremy's arm. Although the hospital managed to mend it, the incident led Jeremy to leave home and go abroad in anger.