Free Web NovelChapter 553: Chapter 553: Meeting
"The artifact’s name is Juliet and Romeo."
The moment those words were spoken, everyone became serious.
"The current owner donated it as a grand prize for the International Mystical Cultivation Competition."
Silence filled the room. Even Lana’s breathing became slightly heavier.
What a coincidence. The very item they desperately needed was the first-place prize of the competition she was already preparing for.
Axel quickly explained further. "The previous owner wished to contribute to society and support the younger generation."
His voice carried a hint of admiration. "Even powerful cultivators would fight over the opportunity to possess Juliet and Romeo."
Conard nodded. "That makes sense."
After all, the artifact was practically a limitless source of wealth. The winner would be granted temporary ownership rights for an entire year.
During that year, they could lend it out, lease it to governments, or cooperate with powerful organizations.
The profits generated were astronomical. Many cultivators became wealthy for life through a single year of ownership.
To countless people, obtaining Juliet and Romeo was equivalent to obtaining infinite resources.
For Lana, however, its value was even greater. It wasn’t merely wealth. It was her chance to completely sever the connection with Thessy.
A chance to regain absolute freedom. Lana slowly clenched her fists.
"I’ll do everything I can."
Her voice was calm but firm. "I’ll win first place."
Hearing those words, Axel smiled faintly.
Lucian also nodded. However, unlike Lana, both of them understood the terrifying difficulty behind that statement.
The International Mystical Cultivation Competition gathered geniuses from all over the world.
Winning first place was easier said than done.
Still, neither of them intended to discourage her.
Meanwhile, far away, Conrad received a message from Thessy.
The contents were simple. She wanted a meeting with Lana.
The moment Conrad finished reading it, he frowned. Instead of immediately agreeing, he went straight to Lucian and Axel. fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com
After gathering everyone together, he explained Thessy’s request.
The atmosphere instantly turned cold. Lucian rejected the idea immediately. "No."
His answer was decisive. "Thessy is far too clever and far too cunning."
His eyes narrowed dangerously. "If she’s requesting a meeting, then she definitely has an ulterior motive."
Axel nodded in agreement. "We already know she’s connected to members of the GA Association."
His expression darkened. "There is no way this meeting is innocent."
The two men shared the same thought. The request needed to be rejected immediately.
Just as Lucian was about to make the final decision, a calm voice interrupted him.
"I’ll meet her."
Everyone turned around. Lana was standing near the doorway. A strange smile rested upon her beautiful face.
Seeing her expression, both Lucian and Axel felt a slight sense of unease.
Lana folded her arms. "Before making decisions about my life, perhaps you should consult me first."
Her voice remained calm. After a brief pause, she added,
"After all, I’m the most important person involved in this matter."
Lucian frowned. "You don’t know who Thessy really is."
Lana’s smile widened slightly.
A mysterious light flickered within her eyes. "No."
However, Lana merely shook her head. "I know her far better than anyone else."
Her voice was calm, yet there was absolute confidence hidden beneath it. "After all, she occupied my position for more than twenty years."
The moment those words were spoken, silence descended upon the room. Even Lucian found himself unable to refute her immediately.
Lana then turned toward Conrad. A sweet smile appeared on her face.
"Brother, you’ll let me meet her, right?"
As she spoke, she lightly tugged on Conrad’s sleeve. The action was small and innocent, but it was devastatingly effective.
Conrad’s heart instantly softened.
Looking at Lana’s hopeful eyes, he felt all of his determination crumble. Before he could stop himself, he nodded. "Fine."
Lucian immediately rolled his eyes. "Lana, let’s talk in private before making any decision."
Lana calmly shook her head.
"I’ve already made my decision."
Her expression remained firm. "If you’re against it, there isn’t much I can do about that."
Hearing those words, Lucian let out a helpless sigh. ’My girlfriend is truly stubborn.’
Still, he knew there was no changing her mind once she had decided something. Thus, the matter was settled.
A few days later, the day of the meeting finally arrived. The meeting location was a private hotel suite.
Earlier, Thessy had specifically warned Lana not to bring anyone with her.
She had even made it clear that she wouldn’t harm Lana as long as Lana agreed to meet her once.
Although everyone found the request suspicious, Lana ultimately insisted on attending.
After arriving at the hotel, she stopped Lucian outside the building. "No following me."
Lucian frowned. "Lana..."
"No."
Lana’s tone left no room for argument. After staring at her for several seconds, Lucian finally relented.
"One minute."
He looked directly into her eyes. "If anything feels wrong, leave immediately."
Lana nodded. "I know."
Only then did she head toward the private suite. The moment she entered, she discovered Thessy already seated by the window.
She was leisurely sipping tea as though she had not a single worry in the world.
When she noticed Lana entering, a smile immediately appeared on her face. "Well, well, well."
Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "The beloved little princess has finally arrived."
Lana casually walked over and sat across from her. "What?"
She crossed her arms. "Do you want to become everyone’s sweetheart too? Want me to give you classes?"
Thessy’s smile twitched slightly. She slowly placed her teacup onto the table.
Looking directly at Lana, she chuckled. "You know something?"
She leaned forward slightly. "You don’t resemble the Peterson family at all."
A strange light flickered in her eyes. "Do you think it’s possible they’ve mistaken your identity too?"
Lana laughed. The sound carried obvious ridicule.
"I’m not interested in listening to an impostor."
Her eyes narrowed. "Especially one who was so insecure that even after learning the truth, she refused to tell the family while I suffered outside."
Thessy’s expression darkened slightly. However, she quickly regained her composure.
"Believe whatever you want."
