At that moment, Marvin was deeply shaken. Simultaneously, he was glad that the Linford family had allied itself with Jared. Luna entered the room after seeing Jared leave.
“Father, Jared left. What did you say to him?” she asked. “Don’t ask any questions. In the next few days, your only task is to serve Jared. Give him whatever he wants, do you understand?” Marvin instructed Luna.
“I understand, but he’s too rough. I’m a bit sore, so I want to rest…” Luna confessed.
“Nonsense! You must persist, no matter how much it hurts. Our family’s future depends on him,” Marvin scolded.
Luna could only nod. She knew that whether or not the Linford family could control Eastshire District depended entirely on Jared.
After Luna left, Marvin immediately sent people to invite the major forces of Eastshire District over to discuss the district’s future development. Since Marcus was dead, the district could not remain leaderless indefinitely.
News of Marvin assembling the various major forces of Eastshire District spread like wildfire throughout the district, and each force accepted the invitation with various intentions.
On the day of the assembly, the Linford residence’s main hall was crowded. Representatives from the various forces were either seated or standing, and the atmosphere was somewhat tense.
Marvin sat in the seat of honor. Although his soul had only recently returned to his body, which caused him to have a pale complexion, his eyes conveyed an undeniable authority.
“I have gathered you all here today because Eastshire District cannot be without a leader for long. Lord Eastshire is dead, and we must elect a worthy individual to lead Eastshire District toward prosperity.” Marvin’s booming voice echoed through the hall.
However, no sooner had he finished speaking than a discordant sneer arose.
The representatives of the Rowe, Pennyworth, and Sunter families stood up, their faces etched with disdain.
The burly head of the Rowe family, Patrick Rowe, roared, “Mr. Linford, what right does your family have to preside over the election of a new lord? Are you trying to seize the opportunity to control Eastshire District and monopolize power for yourself?”
The thin and sinister-eyed head of the Pennyworth family, Morgan Pennyworth, echoed shrilly, “That’s right! How could your family try to assert dominance with the little influence you have? You ought to know your place!”
Looking arrogant, Graham Sunter, the head of the Sunter family, stood with his arms crossed and sneered. “Mr. Linford, you’ve just recovered your soul. How much strength do you even have left? Stop posturing here. Your family has no right to claim the position as the new Lord Eastshire!”
Marvin’s expression shifted slightly, but he forcefully suppressed his anger. “My family has devoted itself to the Eastshire District for many years. With Lord Eastshire gone, it is only right and proper for my family to step up and govern the district.”
He then continued, “If any of you have a better candidate, you are welcome to propose them. As long as it is for the good of Eastshire District, my family will certainly give our full support.”
Patrick, however, was in no mood for compromise. He slammed his hand on the table and shouted, “Your family will give full support? With what? None of us will let your family decide who gets to be the next Lord Eastshire! I say we elect someone from the Rowe, Pennyworth, and Sunter families!”
Morgan and Graham both nodded their agreement.
Immediately, arguments and shouting erupted in the hall. The representatives of the various forces split into factions, leveling accusations and insults at each other, and the scene quickly devolved into chaos.
At that sight, Marvin felt both anxious and furious.
Just as he was about to intervene, Patrick suddenly lunged toward him, yelling, “Mr. Linford, if you refuse to yield, let me test your skills!”
Marvin hadn’t expected Patrick to attack so suddenly. Since he had only recovered his soul recently, his strength was not fully restored. It was impossible for him to dodge in time.
Just as Patrick’s fist was about to strike Marvin, a figure flashed past like a ghost, instantly appearing in front of Marvin and catching Patrick’s fist with an upraised hand.
Everyone looked closely and saw that it was Jared. Jared’s expression was calm, but his eyes held a chilling intensity. With a gentle flick of his wrist, he sent Patrick stumbling back several steps.
