True Tycoon Her Empire, Her Rules

Hobson, though outwardly he seemed a touch aloof, had his private indulgences, one of which was collecting carvings.

It might sound a bit antiquated, but he genuinely appreciated the rustic yet intricate craftsmanship.

He had been captivated by an amulet showcased on the last episode of the show by Kathryn Henderson. Its carving technique seemed oddly familiar to him. That’s why he had asked Winnie to consign some items at his friend’s crystal boutique–to fish for information and confirm if she knew Master Winner…

But instead of getting any information, he ended up with a mysterious gag order from her.

It had to be said, Winnie had quite the temper. So this time, he wasn’t going to beat around the bush. He was going to ask directly!

Winnie, with her big doe eyes, looked at him with a clear sense of innocence. She suddenly feel an urge to spill the beans. She could imagine his face would be priceless.

The thought circled in her mind for a moment before Winnie pushed it down. She had chosen to stay out of the spotlight to avoid trouble, and revealing herself now would definitely usher in a host of problems.

Hobson didn’t seem like the type who could keep a secret.

With that thought, Winnie’s expression cooled a notch, and she resignedly accepted the identity of a student before asking him bluntly, “And why should I introduce you?”

She meant it as a simple question, but to Hobson, it sounded like a clear challenge.

“I’m your cousin, for heaven’s sake. We’re family. What’s wrong with asking for an introduction? Or are you worried I’ll steal your mentor?”

“You never know.”

Hobson was helpless, “What will it take for you to help me out?”

He almost blurted out asking if she wanted money, but remembering his past tactless comments and their consequences, he swallowed his words.

Seeing that his attitude was somewhat acceptable, Winnie didn’t push further, simply saying.

“Master Winner doesn’t like meeting strangers. If you have any business, I can relay the message, but if it’s just idle curiosity or small talk, forget it.”

Hobson felt a surge of frustration hearing her words. But considering she was the only link to Master Winner, he restrained himself, “I want the Master to craft a custom crystal carving for me. The price is no problem; as long as he’s willing to take the job, I’m flexible with any terms.”

Winnie was surprised Hobson could be so reasonable.

12:04

However, her interest in crystal carving was mostly to create protection charms.

Crystal, especially those with a spiritual aura, were excellent mediums for storing mystical

energy.

Aside from the occasional pieces she crafted on a whim, she hadn’t taken on custom work.

“The Master generally doesn’t do commissions and might not have the time for yours. You should probably look elsewhere.”

With that, Winnie turned to head back to her room, but Hobson, his face clouding over with irritation, quickly stepped in front of her, blocking her path and clearly annoyed, “Winnie, can you be any more petty? It’s just a couple of things I said, and you’ve already silenced me. Isn’t that enough? You can’t even be bothered to pass on a simple request?”

Winnie, facing his glaring, obviously peeved expression, considered for a moment, then pulled out her phone and tapped a few times. A notification sound chimed shortly after.

She flashed the chat screen in front of him briefly, “I asked, and Master Winner declined.”

Hobson was stunned. Did she think he was a fool?

But before he could press further, Winnie had already slipped past him and into her room, shutting the door with a definitive click.

Hobson, undeterred, approached to knock again.

However, the moment Winnie closed her door, a silencing enchantment activated, rendering any outside commotion inaudible within her sanctuary.

Ignoring Hobson’s persistent knocking, Winnie quickly changed clothes, barely lying down to catch up on sleep when her phone chimed again. This time it was from Drake.

Drake reaching out of the blue made Winnie nearly think she had accidentally messaged him instead of dealing with Hobson.

Checking her phone, she saw Drake had sent her a location.

Drake texted, “I’ve run into some trouble with the supernatural. Can you come over??

Winnie bolted upright.

Others having supernatural troubles she could believe, but Drake? That was harder to swallow.

Yet Drake never seemed the type to joke.

After glancing at the location, which was in the suburbs, she messaged back without hesitation. Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Winnie replied, “Gimme half an hour.”

Usually, she might have hesitated, but this was Drake Patterson, the man with the gold aura. Given his usual support and “understanding,” plus her use of his gold aura–enhanced Thunder Charm the night before, how could she refuse his request for help?

1204

Quickly stripping off her pajamas and donning practical attire, she grabbed her bag, flung open her bedroom door, and stepped out.

Hobson, having just given up his futile attempts at her door, turned away only to hear it open behind him. He spun around to see Winnie, now dressed for travel.

“Didn’t you just get back? Where are you off to now?”

“Got something to handle,” she replied tersely, moving to pass by Hobson and head downstairs. He immediately followed her.

From a window overlooking the garden on the third floor, Amber was gently brushing the hair of her newly acquired doll, a content smile on her lips. In her peripheral vision, she caught sight of the two figures descending the stairs–one after the other.

Leading was Winnie, followed by… Hobson.

Amber’s hand paused mid–stroke through her hair, a flicker of displeasure and confusion crossing her face. She quickly shook it off and whipped out her phone, shooting a text to Hobson, “I’m trying to redecorate for my new doll collection. Could you come over and lend me a hand?”

Hobson, who had just followed Winnie to the front door, heard the ping from his phone and checked the message from Amber. He hesitated, glancing toward the direction of the mansion. Just as he was about to head back to help Amber, a car pulled up at the front of his family’s mansion, and it wasn’t driven by their usual chauffeur.

Hobson’s steps, ready to turn back, propelled him forward in long strides, stopping Winnie before she could get into the car.

“This isn’t our driver. Where are you off to getting into someone else’s car?”

Hobson thought Winnie was being reckless. You can’t just hop into any car that pulls up!

What if she had gotten swept up in some reality show drama and started hanging out with the wrong crowd since entering the entertainment industry?

Though he wasn’t fond of her, Hobson couldn’t just watch her take a wrong turn in life.

Winnie looked at Hobson with an expression that was a mix of confusion and annoyance, her eyes sweeping over him with a hint of warning.

“Hobson, are you sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong again?”