Chapter 462

Richard Langley's thoughts ran deeper than his composed exterior suggested.

Ethan Sullivan detected this with sharp intuition, his fingers absently tracing the rim of his teacup.

Only one matter could weigh so heavily on the Langley family patriarch.

The truth behind Evelyn Laurent's disappearance fifteen years ago.

Ethan's gaze darkened as he buried the speculation. That cold case involved too many powerful players—even the Langleys had spent years investigating.

As head of the Sullivan family, he understood these aristocratic undercurrents better than anyone.

"Bravo!"

Cheers suddenly erupted from the courtyard.

Ethan turned to see the six Langley brothers forming a semicircle.

Evelyn moved through her tai chi forms in flowing white robes, morning light glinting off her sleeves as sharp energy rippled through each motion.

Beside a stone table sat an elderly man with snow-white hair and youthful vitality.

Despite the winter chill, the old master wore only a thin white tunic, his complexion glowing with health.

"Excellent!" The elder clapped as Evelyn completed her sequence. "You haven't slacked off these six months."

She winked playfully. "I'd never neglect your teachings, Master."

Turning to the group, she announced, "This is Master Zhang Zheng Yi, my tai chi instructor."

"Zhang Zheng Yi?!"

Richard shot to his feet, his teacup shattering on the flagstones.

Ethan's pupils constricted.

The legendary grandmaster of ancient martial arts!

The tai chi patriarch who'd vanished fifteen years ago, rejecting discipleship requests from every prominent family.

Richard approached with a deep bow. "Master Zhang, this humble junior pays his respects."

"No formalities." The elder raised a hand. "Your daughter calls me teacher—we're equals here."

Evelyn stared in shock. Her father's hands trembled—she'd never seen him show such reverence.

Master Zhang stroked his beard, smiling fondly at Evelyn. "When I found this girl on Jade Peak, I knew she had rare martial talent."

The words struck Richard like thunder.

Jade Peak—

The very mountain where Evelyn had vanished.