Chapter 2

Six years ago, Peter was the heir to the Sullivan family's medical dynasty.

After graduating from college, he used his exceptional talent and hard work to found Sullivan Pharmaceuticals, quickly establishing himself in Los Angeles.

He married Jennifer Williams, the daughter of the third-rate Williams family, thinking he was on his way to a happy life.

But on their wedding night, Peter got drunk, and when he woke up the next morning, his wife's best friend, Ella Owen, was lying beside him.

Jennifer immediately accused Peter of raping Ella, then teamed up with John Brown to strip Peter of everything he owned.

Peter was sentenced to six years in prison, his reputation destroyed, left with nothing.

His parents, broken by grief, both died with bitterness in their hearts.

In prison, Peter refused to fall apart.

He threw himself into studying his family's ancient medical knowledge and discovered that these traditional techniques could not only heal the sick, but also strengthen the body and even cultivate a primal life force.

For three years, he trained day and night, pushing himself to master this life force. He transformed completely, his strength growing at an incredible pace.

Three years later, while working in a mine in the Arctic, he was caught in an enemy attack.

Peter single-handedly rescued Robert, who was surrounded and trapped, then fought off a massive enemy force of a million warriors, turning the tide and driving them back.

After the battle, the President personally met with Peter, named him Supreme Marshal, and invited him to stay on.

But Peter turned it down. He only wanted to return to Los Angeles, uncover the truth behind the setup that had destroyed his life, and avenge his parents.

An hour later, Peter arrived in downtown Los Angeles, standing in front of the Sullivan Group building.

The building that had once belonged to Sullivan Group now bore a new name: Williams Pharmaceuticals.

From the files Robert had given him, Peter learned the full truth. Six years ago, Jennifer had worked with her friend John to frame him. Ella had been nothing but an innocent victim, used by Jennifer and John as a pawn.

Over those six years, the Williams family had used Sullivan Group's resources and money to climb from a third-rate family to a second-rate one, living large in Los Angeles.

As Peter stood in front of the Williams Pharmaceuticals building, a red Ferrari came roaring up.

The driver, John, jumped out of the car. He spotted Peter standing in front of the building and his eyes flashed with contempt. "Which blind idiot is blocking my way?!"

Then he got a clear look at Peter's face, and his expression shifted to shock. "Peter?! You're out of prison?!"

The passenger door swung open and Jennifer stepped out. She was dressed head to toe in designer clothes, looking polished and glamorous. She hooked her arm through John's and looked Peter up and down with an air of superiority.

Peter stared at the two of them, his eyes cold as ice.

These were the two people who had put him behind bars for six years, taken everything from him, and driven his parents to their graves.

"Never thought my best friend before I went to prison would end up with the woman who set me up," Peter said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

John smirked. "Peter, you still think you can call me your brother? Back when you were on top, I called you brother as a favor to you. But now you've got nothing. You're not even worth shining my shoes."

John wrapped his arm around Jennifer's waist, grinning with satisfaction. "Listen up, Peter. In three days, Jennifer and I are getting engaged. Don't even think about coming anywhere near the hotel, unless you want to get thrown out like a beggar."

Jennifer leaned into John's arms and held out her hand, showing off the diamond ring on her finger, sparkling in the sunlight.

John reached into his pocket, pulled out a hundred dollars, and threw it at Peter's feet. "For old times' sake, take it. Go get yourself a decent meal. I don't want you dying on the streets and ruining the mood for our celebration."

Jennifer played along, giving a dismissive laugh. "A hundred dollars? That wouldn't even buy the box my ring came in."

Peter stared at the two of them, his fists clenched tight.

"Surprised, Peter?" John watched Peter's face go red with anger, and felt a sick rush of satisfaction. He stepped closer and lowered his voice. "I slept with your woman. I spent the money you worked so hard to earn. I drive the car you bought. You have nothing left."

Jennifer stood to the side, soaking it all in, a twisted smile on her face.

Peter suddenly grabbed John's wrist with crushing force, as if he could snap the bones with his bare hand.

"John, I'm warning you," Peter said, his voice like something crawling out of hell. "I will make you wish you were dead."

John flinched at the sudden wave of killing intent, but quickly pulled himself back together. He tried to shake Peter's hand off, but Peter's grip was unreal. He couldn't break free.

"This is my turf!" John snarled. "You really think you can touch me?!"

Crack.

Peter didn't say another word. He twisted hard, and John's arm snapped with a sharp, clean break.

John let out a scream and crumpled to the ground, his face twisted in agony.

Peter picked up the hundred-dollar bill, stuffed it into John's mouth, and said in a flat, cold voice, "Three days from now, I'll be at your engagement party. Looking forward to celebrating with you."

Jennifer watched John writhing on the ground, and a flicker of fear crossed her face.

But she knew what Peter cared about most — her best friend, Ella.

She would use Ella to get under his skin and break him completely.

"Peter! Do you think you're still the CEO of Sullivan Group?!" Jennifer shrieked. "You should know — after you raped Ella, she had your daughter! She's out there right now, barely scraping by with that kid!"

"What?!"

Peter's whole body went rigid, like he'd been struck by lightning.

He spun around, his eyes bloodshot, locked onto Jennifer.

He had a daughter?

"Where is she?!" Peter grabbed Jennifer by the throat and lifted her off the ground.

Jennifer clawed at his grip, gasping for air, her face turning red, legs kicking wildly.

John lay on the ground in pain, watching Peter's rage, and rasped toward the Williams Pharmaceuticals building, "Security! Security! Someone help!"

The security guards from Williams Pharmaceuticals rushed out. When they saw Peter with his hand around Jennifer's throat, they raised their batons and closed in on him.