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nThe person who spoke had a buzz cut and was wearing a tight-fitting sports singlet that exposed his muscles, which were unlike that of typical men. It seemed that he should be a frequent gym goer.

nThe fact that he worked out regularly was the reason he wanted to taunt Lucas, who had offended his friend, after seeing how lanky he was. He thought that Lucas definitely wouldn’t be strong, so he tried to intimidate him with his muscular build.

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nAfter hearing what the muscular man with a buzz cut said, the other man laughed and said, “Tristan, rest assured. I’m so muscular, I can easily beat this guy up!”

nThis man’s features were similar to that of the muscular man. But he was less brawny and merely toned. It seemed that they were siblings.

nBut after Tristan heard the supportive encouragement of his friends, his expression changed again.

nHis friend was indeed a fitness fanatic, who pumped iron all the time and was also the most muscular one in his social circle. During their outings, he would often attract the attention of the crowd and have compliments showered on him.

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nBut Tristan was well aware that his muscles were only for show and his combat skills were actually inferior to a proper bodyguard.

nOn the other hand, Lucas had the ability to effortlessly send his bodyguards flying with a single kick and render them immobile. This fact alone was terrifying enough.

nIn short, there was no way the three of them could do anything to Lucas!

nAfter a series of changes in his expression, Tristan gritted his teeth and said, “Forget it. Let’s go and get on with our business. Once we’re done, we’ll come back to settle scores with him!”

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nSince Tristan already said so, the muscular man could only say with great regret, “Okay then. We’ll let him off for now. That’ll save me the hassle of getting all sweaty before the auction starts.”

nThe few of them glowered fiercely at Lucas with warning gazes before walking past him to go to the entrance of Club Splendor.

nThe security guards who had stopped Lucas just now were all smiling respectfully at Tristan and his friends. But they nevertheless requested to see their invitation cards. “We hope to seek your cooperation. Please show us your invitation card.”

nThe muscular man and Tristan each took out a golden invitation card from their breast pockets and handed it to the security guard. But the man who seemed to be the younger brother of the muscular man didn’t do anything.

nThe security guard leader received the invitation cards respectfully with both hands, and after some careful scrutiny, he returned the invitation cards to them politely. “Mr. Callum Owen, Mr. Tristan Parker, there’s nothing wrong with your invitation cards. You may each bring yourself plus one. May I ask if this gentleman next to you is with you two?”

nThe muscular man, Callum Owen, nodded arrogantly. “Yes, he’s my younger brother, Elijah Owen.”

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nThe security guards hurriedly greeted them respectfully and invited them in for some rest, treating them as distinguished guests.

nCallum took the invitation card back and then suddenly said in an extremely loud voice, “Speaking of which, the auction here in Club Splendor tonight is very important. You guys have to tighten security and not let those hooligans who are unqualified to enter the club have a chance to sneak in!”

nThen he turned around and gave Lucas a provocative glance. It was obvious what he was implying.

nSince these security guards were arranged to check the invitations at the entrance, they were naturally not fools and were smart enough to catch Callum’s hint immediately.

n“Rest assured, Mr. Owen. We’ll definitely check every invitation card properly and make sure that no hooligans can sneak in!”

nCallum, Elijah, and Tristan looked at Lucas with smug and triumphant gazes as if they had won a battle. Then they entered through the glass doors.

nUpon seeing this scene, Lucas and Jordan frowned slightly.

nIt turned out that even prestigious figures like Callum and Tristan had to have their invitation cards checked carefully before they were permitted entry. This just went to show that the rules at the auction in Club Splendor tonight had to be very strict. Or rather, the organizers of the auction had to be from a formidable background, so much so that even those scions dared not offend them and had no choice but to let the security guards check their invitations in accordance with the rules.

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n“Lucas, it seems it won’t be that easy to get into Club Splendor tonight,” Jordan whispered to Lucas.

nIn fact, if they used brute force, they would be able to enter even the heavily guarded Capitol Building if they wanted to, let alone a club guarded by just a few bodyguards!

nBut the purpose of their trip wasn’t to force their way into Club Splendor but to find Grace and rescue her. If this matter escalated, it would affect Lucas and some of his following plans.

nAt this moment, a security guard saw the two of them and noticed that they had been standing near the entrance without moving for a long time, so he went forward to chase them away.

n“What are you still blocking the entrance for? If you don’t have an invitation card, hurry up and get lost! Don’t get in the way of others! Do you hear me? What are you waiting for? Scram!” the security guard said arrogantly.

nA trace of murderous aura flashed in Jordan’s eyes, and he suddenly turned around, wanting to teach the security guard with a foul mouth a hard lesson.

n“Shut up!” At this moment, a familiar voice full of anger sounded from behind them.

nBruce Hale was holding a cane made of rosewood with some gold details, which was some sort of a status symbol, and walking over at a pace that seemed a little quick for his age. He seemed furious. “Fool, how dare you stop and insult Mr. Gray? Do you have a death wish?”

nThe security guards were shocked and hurriedly bowed to Bruce. “Mr. Hale!”

nBut Bruce, the head of the Hales, simply ignored the security guards and quickly walked toward Lucas. Everyone watched in shock as Bruce bent forward a little and said to Lucas with the utmost respect, “Mr. Gray, had I known you were coming, I would have asked my chauffeur to pick you up and take you here!”

nEveryone was taken aback by his words!

nEveryone knew that the 70-odd-year-old Bruce, the helmsman of the Hales, one of the four major families in Orange County, had been a member of the upper-class circle for numerous years. It was safe to say that nearly no one in high society could compare to him in terms of age and seniority. Even the heads of the other families would have to show him great respect.

nBut why would such an esteemed and prestigious figure, who commanded great power in Orange County, bow slightly to Lucas, speak to him with so much respect, and even go as far as to chauffeur him over personally? This was way too shocking!

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nThe security guards who had hollered at Lucas and told him to get lost couldn’t help but break out in cold sweat now!

nIf they still didn’t know that there had to be something extraordinary about Lucas’s identity, they would be complete idiots!

n“Mr… Mr. Gray, we’re sorry. We… didn’t do it on purpose!” the few security guards stammered, their foreheads covered in cold sweat.

nAlthough they had been hired by the Wallaces, the four top families still showed each other adequate respect on the surface. Once Bruce called the Wallaces and informed them that the security guards had offended him, the Wallaces would definitely punish them severely!

nAt this moment, Jordan asked with raised brows and a derisive smile, “So, do you still want to see our invitation cards now?”

n“No, no, no, of course not!” The security guards immediately shook their heads profusely and then exclaimed respectfully, “This way, please!”

nLucas couldn’t be bothered to care about these small fries. He simply walked straight into the club while Bruce followed closely behind.

nOnly after entering the spacious hall did Lucas suddenly ask, “What’s the background of the auction tonight?”

nAfter looking around and ensuring that there was no one else near them, Bruce said softly, “Actually, the auction is just a pretext. They’re not putting up items for auction tonight. Rather, they’re putting up people for auction, and beautiful women at that!”

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