The Dragon's Mandate

Navid felt the tight grip of his daughter's arms around him, her head buried in his chest as if afraid he would disappear again.

"Nunu, slow down. I'm sorry you had to go through this today. I promise it won't happen again," Navid said, signaling for Lila to take Linda inside.

"Daddy, I thought I wouldn't see you again today," Nunu whispered, tears in her eyes as she clung to him.

Navid Byrd felt a deep sense of guilt upon hearing those words. His negligence had brought such harm to Priya and their daughter.

"It will be okay, trust Daddy, alright?" Navid said, holding his daughter tightly.

After a while, when he didn't get a response, Navid realized she had fallen into a deep sleep. The incident had clearly affected her deeply. While physical wounds could heal, the emotional scars would take time. She only felt safe enough to sleep when he was around, which was probably why she had waited for his return.

Sierra Yarrow and Humphrey Walker, who had helped the Zhang family in their evil deeds, had been dealt with by Navid. He had them sent to a distant land with broken legs, a place known for its famine, where people would do anything out of desperation. It was the only way to repay the blood debt they owed.

That night, after arranging for Linda's treatment, Navid stayed with his wife and daughter until they fell asleep. He planned to spend more time with them in the coming days to heal their hearts.

However, the next day brought unexpected visitors.

At the Byrd family estate, Navid watched as Logan Monroe brought in Justin Byrd and Julie. He smiled, "Big brother, you're just in time. I have some good news to share."

"Visiting so early, I hope I'm not interrupting you and your wife. You seem so happy, what's the news?" Justin Byrd said, trying to mask his worry with a forced smile.

The brothers sat down together. Seeing Justin's hesitance, Navid asked, "Big brother, is there something you need to discuss? Feel free to speak."

Justin sighed, clearly troubled. "I just brought your sister-in-law back to see the old estate. The Byrd family home has been sealed for over five years. I think about returning every day, but I lack the means..."

Julie rolled her eyes at her husband's timid demeanor, clearly displeased. "Listen to yourself, as if our family bullied you! Not everyone has the skills of the second brother. The Zhang family is powerful; who would dare to cross them?"

Over the years, the Ge family business had steadily declined, all because they were protecting Justin Byrd. If it weren't for Grandpa's intervention, the Ge family might have already lost their status among the elite. Now, they only had the facade of a prestigious family, with nothing substantial to back it up.

Being targeted by the Zhang family meant there was no good outcome in sight. For years, Julie Ge had contemplated divorcing Justin. But out of respect for her grandfather's integrity, she had continued to endure the marriage..

The Byrd family had once done a great favor for her grandfather, but no matter how significant the favor, she felt that by marrying Justin and protecting him, ensuring he had a comfortable life, she had repaid that debt.

If it weren't for Navid Byrd's sudden return and his grand wedding with Priya Yarrow, Julie would have already moved forward with the divorce. But now, she couldn't quite figure out her brother-in-law. His mysterious identity intrigued her.

Julie started to pay more attention to Navid, especially after witnessing the power he displayed at the wedding. Justin, however, warned her not to brag about it. Otherwise, Julie would have loved to tell the whole world that the billionaire who showered the wedding with millions in gifts was her husband's brother.

"I'm sorry, that's not what I meant..." Justin said quickly, noticing his wife's displeasure. But he wasn't good with words and stumbled after his first sentence.

"Not what you meant? Then what did you mean? I've been married to you for five years and have suffered enough! I gave up being the pampered daughter of a wealthy family, and now I'm out there competing with Hongfa Real Estate for projects!"

Julie was full of grievances, and the more she spoke, the more animated she became. "Thinking you could support the family? That's just a dream!

What? Now that your younger brother is back, you're acting all high and mighty, ignoring everyone?"

"Sister-in-law, my brother is straightforward. He might not say things right, but his intentions are good," Priya Yarrow quickly interjected, unable to listen any longer.

"Oh! How considerate of you, sister-in-law. I'm not unreasonable. I'm here for a serious matter to ask for help from the younger brother!" Julie sneered, insisting on speaking despite Justin Byrd's attempts to stop her.

"Sister-in-law, go ahead," Navid Byrd said, taking a sip of tea, his face expressionless.

Seeing his older brother so subdued in front of his wife made Navid uncomfortable. But no matter what, it was their marital issue, and all he could do was endure and watch.

While he had the means to elevate his brother's life instantly, he couldn't trample on Justin's dignity and wishes. His brother wanted a simple life, and Navid respected that decision.

"Your brother doesn't want to trouble you, but how can family be distant? I forced him to come today!" Julie's frustration with her husband was palpable, her words speeding up with excitement.

"Since you're capable, I'll swallow my pride and ask for your help. Do you know Archer? My grandfather needs him to save his life!"

Julie sighed, feeling a bit troubled. Her grandfather had been diagnosed with liver cancer, and despite consulting numerous renowned doctors, there seemed to be no hope. Now, Julie was pinning all her hopes on Archer, a legendary healer.

However, such a miracle worker was beyond her means, so she turned to Navid Byrd for help.

Hearing his sister-in-law's plea, Navid smiled slightly. He had heard of Archer but had never met him. Archer was said to be an unparalleled traditional healer, known for his aloof nature and reluctance to make house calls. If Navid were to invite him, he could probably succeed. But Navid couldn't agree to Julie's request.

There was only one reason: Archer might be an enemy. Navid suspected that the tragedy that befell his family years ago wasn't a sudden disaster but a premeditated act. Back then, his grandfather fell ill with a strange disease, and Archer had visited. However, instead of curing his grandfather, three days later, during a stormy night, the Byrd family faced a catastrophe. Navid believed there was more to the story.

Navid was determined not to spare anyone who might be involved.

"Brother, if it's too difficult, let's forget it," Justin Byrd said, feeling helpless. He didn't want to put his brother in a tough spot. Archer wasn't someone just anyone could summon. Over the years, Justin had felt useless, unable to avenge his parents. His heart was already filled with scars as he struggled to keep going.

Life was just about getting by, taking it one day at a time.

"Logan Monroe, prepare the life-saving needle. We're heading out," Navid Byrd instructed his subordinate as he stood up.

"Boss, are you going to handle this personally?" Logan asked, surprised and a bit incredulous.

Seeing her brother-in-law's calm and confident demeanor, Julie swallowed the doubts she was about to voice. She was here to ask for help, not to offend anyone. Could Navid really have medical skills?

Julie had heard that Priya Yarrow once had scars on her face, but now her skin was smooth and radiant, thanks to Navid's treatment. She decided to trust her brother-in-law this time.

After a brief word with her family, Navid, accompanied by Logan, followed his brother and sister-in-law out of the house, heading straight to the city hospital.

A few minutes later, the group of four entered room 708, a high-end hospital room. As Navid walked in, he immediately saw the elderly man lying in bed. The man was frail, with white hair, barely clinging to life, looking almost like a corpse.

"Oh my gosh, you managed to get Dr. Archer to come?" Julie was pleasantly surprised to see the renowned doctor sitting by her grandfather's bedside.

If she had known this would happen, she wouldn't have bothered Navid today, wasting her breath and favors.

"Shh, the doctor's treating him," Justin Byrd whispered, gently pulling his excited wife back.

"Oh my goodness, isn't this the Byrd family's useless son-in-law?" Mario Grantsneered, looking Justin Byrd up and down with disdain. "Dear sister, Grandpa is seriously ill, and you bring this loser here? Isn't there enough chaos already?"

Mario Grant was the eldest grandson of the Grant family and was set to inherit the family business. Unfortunately, the family always favored daughters over sons, so his sister Julie was a constant thorn in his side.

Before Julie could retort, Archer Moon, who was sitting by the bed, sighed deeply and slowly put away the silver needles he had used on Master Max.

"Master Max's time has come. There's nothing more we can do. My condolences to you all," Archer announced.

The Grant family members in the room exchanged glances, almost unable to believe their ears. Grandpa was the pillar of the family, and his connections were the reason the family had managed to hold on for so long.

"No, it can't be! Grandpa!" Julie was the first to break down in tears, unable to accept the reality. With the family already on shaky ground, if Grandpa passed away, the Grant family would be finished.

"Are you questioning my medical skills? The dead cannot be brought back to life. Master Max is gone!" Archer snapped. He had only agreed to come because Julie's father had offered the family's treasured painting, "The Pear Orchard," a rare and ancient piece he had coveted for a long time. He had promised to do his best but never guaranteed a cure, and now that the patient had passed, he was not pleased.