Her face, though pretty, was unreadable.

Jaxon couldn't tell if Maria was truly unaware or just feigning indifference.

The Barnes family was well-known and influential in the world of martial arts.

Given Maria's connection to the world of martial arts, how could she not know the Barnes family?

Then, Jaxon thought of Michael. Maybe he was the one who was unaware of the Barnes family's reputation.

Turning to Michael, Jaxon remarked, "Mr. Wilson, perhaps you haven't heard of the Barnes family. Let me put it this way. If we had a ranking of the families in the world of martial arts, the Barnes would easily be among the top fifty."

Maria pressed her lips and smiled faintly.

The Barnes family ranked fifty in the world of martial arts? Maria questioned whether there were even a hundred families in the world of martial arts.

A top 100 list? Then, every family would be on the list. After all, there weren't many ancient martial families.

At Jaxon's words, Michael showed a puzzled expression.

"Huh? Top fifty? That's it? Well... The Barnes family really needs to work hard!"

Jaxon couldn't decide if he was amused or annoyed.

Yet, discussing such matters with someone so out of touch with the world of martial arts felt like a waste of time.

"Mr. Wilson, considering the Barnes family's significant standing, don't you think it's a bit off to suggest they need to work hard?"

Michael gave a polite nod.

“Alright. Working hard is not needed as you say so."

Jaxon couldn't help but roll his eyes.

It was bad enough to suggest the Barnes family needed to put in more effort, but to then dismiss the effort altogether? That was even worse.

He wondered if Michael was genuinely mixed up or just trying to get under his skin on purpose.

At this time, Michael posed a question, “But your last name is Rivera. How does that relate to the Barnes family? Are the two families connected by marriage?"

Jaxon found himself having to explain his family connections.

“Marilyn's mother is the sister of the current master of the Barnes family! In other words, Marilyn is a relative of the Barnes family!"

Michael nodded, his expression serious.

"Young people shouldn't just lean on their family name. She needs to acquire skills, otherwise, she'll contribute nothing to society. She has to work hard..."