Not this "work hard" thing again? That was kind of hilarious.

Marilyn and Jaxon started to think that maybe Michael was showing signs of Alzheimer's disease. They decided it was futile to try and foster a relationship with him and it would be better to just seek out Anthony directly.

"Dad, since Anthony isn't here, we should leave," Marilyn murmured to her father.

"Sure." Jaxon was feeling bored as well.

At least now they knew Maria hailed from a once-great but now faltering martial arts family and didn't need to be afraid of her.

They quickly bid farewell to Michael and walked off, ignoring Raymond's attempts to stop them.

Michael looked at the two figures walking away, his face reflecting a knowing look.

"You brat!"

“What? Dad, are you saying that's me?" Raymond paused, a hint of sadness in his voice as he listened to Michael's scolding.

“If you allow someone like that to disturb my peace again, you might as well hand the head of the family role back to Anthony," Michael stated calmly.

“No, that won't happen!" Raymond's denial was swift, like he'd been stung, shaking his head as he said, “I won't let them in again."

Despite his reluctance, Raymond decided to cut off ties with Jaxon and Marilyn.

The title of family head was more important to him than arranging a marriage for Anthony.

In Broome, the Barnes family's villa.

Mr. Barnes pondered for a moment before deciding to reach out to Barbara.

“Mr, Barnes? What do you need?"

Barbara's voice was filled with respect as she spoke over the phone.

Even as a pill alchemist, Barbara hadn't forgotten the bond she shared with Mr. Barnes, who held a respected rank in the Association of Healthcare Professionals.

“Barbara, there's someone I'm curious about. Does the Jenkins family have a senior female healer above the fifth grade?"

Barbara, with a hint of astonishment in her voice, questioned, "A senior healer above the fifth grade... Does it have to be a female?"

Mr. Barnes' sudden interest in the Jenkins family caught Barbara off guard. She was aware that Mr. Barnes had typically disregarded the Jenkins family since their fall from grace and subsequent neglect in the world of martial arts.

Barbara pondered what could have sparked his curiosity today. Why would he go out of his way to ask about the Jenkins family?

Barbara's thoughts naturally drifted to Maria, but she quickly dismissed the notion with a wry smile.

To Barbara, chaos flooded her life following Maria's return to the Jenkins family. She never liked Maria.