She Used Me for a Dare… Now I Own Her Mother

Chapter 514: His Growing Shadow

Viktor’s expression shifted the moment Alex confirmed his intention. He had already suspected it, but hearing it spoken so calmly still made something tighten in his chest.

These competitions were never simple sparring matches. They were brutal, high-stakes events designed to push participants to their limits, and sometimes beyond them.

People died in these competitions. Talented cultivators who thought themselves prepared had been crippled or killed more than once.

Viktor looked at Alex carefully.

”Sir... these competitions are extremely dangerous,” he said in a low, serious voice. ”Even Apex cultivators have suffered heavy injuries in the past. The Steele family does not hold them for entertainment.”

Alex met his gaze without hesitation.

”I know,” he replied calmly. ”That’s exactly why I want to participate. I need the danger.”

He paused for a moment, then added with quiet confidence:

”Don’t worry about me. I’m not that easy to kill. You know my skills better than anyone.”

Viktor was silent for a few seconds. Then he slowly nodded. He could not deny the truth in those words. If anyone could walk into such a competition and come out stronger, it was Alex.

Alex leaned forward slightly.

”Tell me about the format of these competitions,” he said. ”How do they usually work?”

Viktor organized his thoughts before answering.

”These competitions are almost always held by the Sacred Families. On rare occasions, other families are allowed to host them... but only with the approval of the Sacred Families.”

He paused for a moment, then continued carefully.

”Such as this one. On the surface, this event appears to be hosted by the Steele family. But from the information I’ve gathered, the one truly behind it is Richard Blackwood.”

Alex’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Richard Blackwood.

He leaned back in his chair, quietly considering the implication. After a few seconds of silence, another thought surfaced in his mind.

Victoria had also been given the responsibility of organizing that large-scale auction not long ago. And now Richard Blackwood was the one behind this competition.

Both of them had been handed significant tasks... one managing a high-level auction, the other orchestrating a major competition. It was very likely that both were being given a chance to prove their competence.

Alex’s expression remained calm, but a cold, calculating light flickered in his eyes.

He looked at Viktor and asked,

”Have you participated in these competitions before?”

Viktor nodded without hesitation.

”Yes. I’ve taken part in many of them... a few public ones, and many private ones. In most cases, becoming the leader of a team is decided through these competitions. Only those who perform well enough are given that position.”

He continued explaining the format.

”There are generally two types of battles. The first is one-on-one combat. The second is the arena type, where more than fifty participants enter at the same time. In the arena format, the last one standing is declared as victor.”

Viktor’s tone became more serious.

”In a one-on-one battle, a person can still rely on their own strength and ability to win. But in the arena type... luck plays a much larger role. No matter how strong you are, if you are targeted by multiple people at once, the outcome becomes unpredictable.”

Alex listened carefully and gave a small nod, absorbing the information.

After a moment, he asked,

”What is the main purpose of this competition?”

Viktor nodded slightly and continued in a steady tone.

”There are usually two main purposes behind them.”

He raised one finger.

”First... to select outstanding individuals who are not yet tied to any major power. Sacred Families, lesser families, and even large organizations all use these competitions as a recruitment ground. Those who perform well often receive invitations afterward.”

Viktor’s eyes grew sharper.

”And the second purpose... is the Ranking List.”

He spoke the words with clear weight.

”Everyone who enters these competitions has the same desire... to get their name on that list. The higher the ranking, the greater the recognition, resources, and status that follow. For many cultivators, having their name appear on the list is worth risking their lives.”

”And this time, the competition is going to be even fiercer than usual. Because it’s not just about ranking... there is a real chance that outstanding participants may be recruited directly into the Blackwood family.”

Alex’s eyes narrowed slightly at those words.

Being recruited by a Sacred Family was an opportunity countless cultivators could only dream of. With that possibility on the table, the level of competition would inevitably rise to another level.

Alex looked at Viktor, a faint, cold smile appearing on his lips.

”The fiercer it is, the better,” he said calmly. ”It won’t be fun otherwise.”

He slowly stood up from his chair.

The moment he rose, an unimaginable pressure suddenly filled the meeting room.

Viktor’s eyes widened slightly.

Even though he stood at the peak of the Apex Realm, the weight pressing down on him in that instant was real... dense, sharp, and impossible to ignore. It was not a full release of power, yet it still made his chest tighten for a brief second.

A flicker of genuine shock passed through Viktor’s heart.

’How...?’

He was an Apex cultivator at the peak of his realm. By all logic, someone who had not even broken through yet should not be able to affect him like this. And yet, the pressure coming from Alex was undeniable.

Alex’s expression remained calm, as if he had not even noticed the effect he caused.

”Be ready,” he said in a steady voice. ”We’ll show them exactly what we’re capable of.”

Viktor took a quiet breath and forced the lingering pressure down. Then he met Alex’s gaze and gave a firm nod.

There was no hesitation left in his eyes... only absolute readiness.

***

Alex stepped out of Villa 3 and closed the door behind him.

Night had already fallen over the estate.

The sky above was dark and clear, dotted with faint stars, while soft golden lights lined the pathways across the vast grounds. A cool night breeze brushed against his skin as he began walking toward his own mansion.

His steps were steady and unhurried.

A quiet sense of satisfaction settled in his chest.

Tomorrow... he would no longer have just one Apex Realm cultivator under his command.

He would have five.

Viktor was already at the peak. Damien, Dimitri, Andre, and Pavel would complete their breakthroughs by then. With five Apex Realm experts standing behind him, the strength of his force would rise to an entirely different level.

As for his own realm...

Alex’s thoughts drifted toward the Steele family competition once more.

A faint, cold smile touched his lips as he looked up at the dark sky.

”I hope you don’t disappoint me...” he murmured softly.

Alex’s lips curved into a faint, content smile as he continued walking through the quiet night.

Alex finally reached his mansion. The soft glow of the outdoor lights framed the grand entrance as he stepped inside.

The moment he entered the main hall, both Emma and Madison were already waiting for him.

They stood side by side near the doorway, dressed in matching black-and-white maid outfits that left almost nothing to the imagination.

The dresses were deliberately short, the hems barely covering the upper curve of their thighs. The tight bodices pushed their full breasts upward, creating deep, soft cleavage that strained against the fabric with every breath. Thin white stockings clung to their long legs, and small frilled aprons rested against their hips in a way that only made the outfits more provocative.

Alex’s eyes moved over them slowly.

Both women had prepared themselves carefully. Their hair was neatly styled, their makeup soft yet seductive, and the way they stood... backs straight, chests slightly forward... made it clear they had put effort into this.

A quiet look of appreciation passed through his eyes.

Emma and Madison noticed it immediately. They exchanged a quick glance, then giggled softly, clearly pleased by his reaction.

”Welcome back, Sir,” Madison said with a sweet smile, her voice warm and inviting.

Emma stepped forward slightly, the short skirt swaying around her thighs. ”Dinner is ready. We’ve prepared everything for you.”

Alex gave a small nod, the corner of his lips lifting in quiet approval, and walked toward the dining area.

The long dining table had already been set with care. Soft candlelight flickered across the polished surface, casting a warm glow over the carefully arranged dishes.

As he sat down, both women moved to serve him.

They did not simply place the food in front of him. Every action was deliberate and teasing. Madison leaned in closer than necessary when pouring his drink, letting the soft weight of her breasts brush lightly against his shoulder. Emma stood on the other side, setting down a plate while slightly arching her back so that the short skirt lifted just enough to reveal the smooth curve of her upper thighs.

Throughout the entire meal, they continued to serve him with quiet, playful seduction.

Whenever one of them refilled his glass or adjusted a dish, their bodies lingered near him a little longer than needed. Soft smiles, lingering glances, and the occasional light brush of fingers against his arm made the atmosphere thick with anticipation.

Neither of them rushed.

They moved around him like two devoted attendants who knew exactly how to keep their master’s attention, teasing without being crude, serving without ever breaking the elegant tone of the evening.

Alex ate in silence, but his eyes followed them the entire time.

The dinner continued under the soft candlelight, the air between them growing heavier with every passing minute.