"You can't handle losing a competition, so you resort to such schemes. It's disgusting. Fortunately, my grandmaster was wise enough not to hand over the Martinez family to you. With your stupidity, you would have ruined centuries of our heritage!"
Deanna's mocking words made Brice's face turn a mix of green and black.
Others began whispering among themselves.
"I think she has a point. Miss Jones isn't stupid. Anyone can see she was going to win this competition. Why would she poison someone and cause trouble for herself?"
"I believe Master Brice couldn't accept losing and wanted an excuse to get rid of Miss Jones. Don't forget the ancestral rule that forbids killing among fellow disciples."
"Hmph, Master Brice's family has always been like this. They once plotted against Master Gunner but fell into someone else's trap, causing two madams to die at the hands of the enemy."
The speaker's voice was loud, filled with resentment towards Brice's family. After speaking, he looked regretful and cautiously glanced at Gunner.
The crowd fell silent, and the atmosphere grew tense.
Deanna was also shocked. She had always thought her master was a lifelong bachelor but now realized he once had a wife.
Her cold gaze returned to Brice and his son, filled with disdain. No wonder her master chose her over any of Brice's descendants to inherit the Martinez family; they were too stupid.
"Craig, are you still not getting up?"
Deanna's icy voice echoed in the courtyard. Everyone's eyes turned to Craig.
Sensing the stares, Craig, who was pretending to be unconscious, stiffened but stubbornly remained still. He whispered to his father, "Get me out of here."
Brice nodded and then looked at Deanna with a face full of grief. "My son is unconscious. How do you expect him to stand? Fine, you won the competition, but I won't let you get away with harming my son."
With that, he struggled to pick up Craig and turned to leave.
At that moment, Gunner, who had been silent, spoke up, "Don't forget our agreement. You lost, so you must leave the Martinez family. Once Craig wakes up, you'll leave the family."
Brice stumbled but kept walking.
Gunner didn't mind and looked around with authority. "If anyone disagrees with my decision, you can challenge it."
As he finished speaking, Deanna also looked at the others. "In four days, it's my apprenticeship ceremony. I don't want anyone ruining that day. If you have any doubts or objections about me, challenge me within these four days."
The crowd remained silent as they looked at the imposing woman.
Deanna raised an eyebrow. "Good, it seems no one objects to me. I hope we can get along well from now on, and I will do my best to develop the Martinez family."
"Lady Deanna is personally chosen and trained by Master Gunner. Even if she's not from the Martinez family, we trust her abilities!"
A burly man stepped out from the crowd and bowed deeply to Deanna, acknowledging her as his leader.
Seeing this, others followed suit.
Deanna accepted their bows, signifying her role as the heir of the Martinez family.
Gunner watched with satisfaction as Deanna established her authority.
Later, as everyone dispersed, Deanna was called to the study by her master to continue learning about the Martinez family's affairs.
Over the past two days, Deanna realized just how wealthy her master was. The Martinez family had businesses in every country globally, with over a hundred companies under its control.
Staring at the numerous zeros in the total assets, Deanna felt dazed.
"Master, did I just get rich overnight?"
"Look at you. Can't handle it already?" Gunner laughed and scolded her.
Deanna sheepishly rubbed her nose and then asked curiously, "Master, our family's assets surpass those of the world's richest person. Why aren't we on any global wealth rankings?"
"You must understand that those wealth rankings are just for show. Truly powerful families prefer to stay low-key."
Gunner imparted his wisdom.
Deanna listened intently.