Chapter 10 The Disciple Surpasses the Master

• Arnold was not surprised that the disciple was capable enough to even subdue the Avatar of War. Surely enough, the disciple had surpassed the achievements of the master.
• If Arnold managed to get the disciple to marry into the Sullivan family, their status and influence in the city would rise dramatically.
• He declared to the rest of the family that they would spare no expense in searching for the disciple.
• The next day, Vance went to the houses of Hunter and Connor to conduct his investigation.
• Surprisingly, there was nothing wrong with the leylines there.
• That made Vance suspect the problem was at Troy Global.
• The four people went to the Troy Global headquarters.
• The magnificent building was over 30 stories tall, and it was a popular landmark in the city of Chevron.
• However, Vance soon realized the problem. The building was huge, and pinpointing the problem would take a lot of time.
• "It'll take very long for me to investigate the entire building, and my time is very precious," Vance said.
• "Don't worry, I won't shortchange you. Why don't you tell me how much you want?" Helen said.
• Vance raised one finger. "I want at least this much every day."
• "One million dollars a day? No problem. When you complete your job successfully, I'll give you another ten million as a reward," Helen said without hesitation.
• Vance gulped. One million? I was only thinking of one thousand. She really does throw money at problems. Master told me it'll be hard to make money after I leave Mount Solus, but that doesn't seem to be the case.
• Helen told Vance to put on a disguise as a security guard so he could go around the building without raising suspicion. Vance had to go to the HR department to settle the paperwork first.
• The person in the HR department handling his paperwork was a mature woman with a haughty personality. Every word and action oozed disdain toward Vance.
• Fortunately, she did not give Vance too much trouble.
• Vance started his investigation from the basement. It took him two hours to scan the first two floors.
• When he arrived at the third floor, a toad ornament plated in gold caught his attention.
• He quickly went over, placed his palm over it, and closed his eyes.
• He seemed relieved when he opened his eyes again. "I didn't expect to find it so quickly."
• He took the toad ornament and went to the director's office.
• In the office, Helen, Hunter, and Connor were waiting anxiously. Their eyes lit up when they saw Vance return. Mr. Krauss has discovered the problem!
• Hunter was the one to speak first. "Mr. Krauss, is there a problem with the toad ornament?"
• Vance nodded. "That's right."
• He tossed the ornament on the floor, causing it to shatter in pieces.
• To their surprise, the interior of the toad ornament was blood-red. It was hollow inside with two pieces of paper.
• "Take a look at the paper. If my guess is correct, The paper should have your names and astrological signs written on them."
• Hunter and Connor carefully picked up the paper and looked at it.
• "You're right!" they cried out. "What's the meaning of this, Mr. Krauss?"
• Vance explained, "The interior of the golden toad is coated with the blood of mudskippers, donkeys, earthworms, and other lowly animals, and the pieces of paper with your names on it represent your life aspect. It's no surprise you have so many problems with your health!"
• The two people felt chills down their spines.
• "Helen, where did this toad ornament come from?" Hunter asked angrily.
• Helen thought for a while before answering, "Krauss Corporation! Krauss Corporation gave it to us as a gift! How dare they set us up like this. I want them to disappear from the face of the earth!"
• "Krauss Group? Do you mean Ferdinand Krauss?" Vance asked.
• Helen nodded. "You know Ferdinand Krauss?"
• "Not in a good way."
• Helen's gaze turned vicious. "That's even more reason to get back at them."
• Connor added, "I've dealt with Krauss Corporation too. Some time ago, they received rumors that the city council will move to Kingsbank, and they spent a lot of money buying up the entire area. Now that it's confirmed the city council won't be moving, Krauss Corporation suffered heavy losses. In fact, they're still looking for a buyer."
• "Burn the toad with peachwood. That'll cancel the effects of the hex," Vance said. "My mission is complete, and I'd like to settle the bill."
• Helen handed him a debit card. "There's thirty million dollars inside. Consider it a bonus."
• "You've done us a huge favor, Mr. Krauss. I'd like to treat you to dinner. I hope you'll consider my offer," Hunter said.
• "I'm very busy," Vance replied tactfully and turned around to leave.
• Hunter did not manage to stop Vance from leaving, so he could only see Vance off at the elevator lobby.
• Vance took the elevator down to the first floor.
• As soon as the door opened, he noticed Hazel and Ferdinand outside.
• They were chatting happily with a man and a woman.
• Vance saw the woman earlier. She was the mature woman from the HR department who had processed his job application.
• He wanted to sneak away without attracting attention, but Hazel saw him anyway.
• "It's you, Vance! Why are you here?"
• Vance had no choice but to walk toward her. "Mm. I'm working here now."
• Hazel was surprised. "What job is it?"
• "One that pays me a million dollars a day."
• "Pfft!" The mature woman from the HR department could not help but laugh. "What a liar! Hazel, he's a new security guard. I processed his paperwork earlier this morning. Do you know him?"
• Hazel immediately felt embarrassed. "Well, Shelley, he's my new… he's my new husband."
• If Ferdinand were not standing next to her, she would rather die than admit she was related to Vance.
• Shelley Davidson gasped in surprise. "What? Is there something wrong with your brain or your eyes? Of all the people you can choose to be your husband, you had to choose him!"
• Hazel tugged Shelley's shirt sleeve. "Don't say that in front of him, Shelley."
• "I'm only telling the truth though," Shelley replied.
• The other man was glaring at Vance with hostility.
• His name was Victor Arbry, and he was the general manager of the sales department of Troy Global.
• He was good friends with Ferdinand, and he had coveted Hazel's beauty for a long time.
• "I haven't seen a security guard who gets paid a million dollars a day. That's certainly something new!" Victor said derisively. "I'm the general manager of the sales department, and I only make twenty thousand dollars a day."
• "That's because you're not as good as me. If you continue to work hard, you'll reach my level someday," Vance replied seriously.
• What the… Victor would have slapped Vance if not that he had to maintain a gentlemanly demeanor in front of Hazel.
• "Vance, you don't have any business here. You should go away," Ferdinand said coldly. "I invited Ms. Lewis for dinner, and I plan to introduce her to Hazel. There's no room around the dining table for you."
• Vance shot a glance at Ferdinand. "I don't think you'll get to eat dinner with Helen."
• "Why?" Ferdinand asked.
• "I heard that Troy Global plans to take down Krauss Corporation. Don't worry, Hazel. If you want to be acquainted with Helen, I can introduce you to her."
• "Hahaha!" Vance's words caused everyone to burst out laughing. They looked at him as though he were an idiot.
• Hazel was thoroughly embarrassed. "Vance, you should go home for now."
• Suddenly, Ferdinand's phone began to ring. He looked visibly excited when he saw the call notification. "I'm getting a call from Ms. Lewis. Quiet, everyone!"
• He answered the call. "Good afternoon, Ms. Lewis…"
• "Ferdinand Krauss! From this moment on, Troy Global shall cut all business ties with the Krauss family," Helen said coldly.
• "Huh?" Ferdinand was caught off-guard. "But why, Ms. Lewis?"
• "You ought to know yourself!" Helen said angrily and hung up.
• Everyone could tell from Ferdinand's expression that something was amiss. "What happened, Ferdie?"
• Ferdinand composed himself and put on a sorry face. "Too bad, Ms. Lewis has to attend an important meeting. She can't make it for dinner tonight. It's okay though, she asked me out for dinner in two days, and it'll be her treat. I'll bring all of you too."
• Everyone looked disappointed.
• Vance chuckled. "Really? She didn't tell me she has a meeting coming up. She even invited me to dinner earlier, but I rejected her offer."
• Before the people could laugh, Hazel shushed Vance. "That's enough, Vance! Can't you keep your mouth shut?"
• Vance took out his phone and dialed Helen's number. "If you don't believe me, I'll call her myself."
• The call rang only once before it was picked up.
• Vance turned on the speaker. "Hi, Vance. What's up?" Helen said.