The ancestral hall of the Martinez family was located deep within the old mansion, in a courtyard that stretched from north to south.
The surrounding buildings looked well-maintained, clearly cared for meticulously every year.
When Deanna arrived, many members of the Martinez family were already standing in the courtyard.
Most of them were from collateral branches; only her master and Brice were from the main branch.
Deanna ignored the hatred in Brice's eyes and stood solemnly below her master.
After waiting a few more minutes for all the Martinez family members to gather, Gunner signaled Jagger to proceed.
"Open the ancestral hall-"
As Jagger spoke, the tightly closed door in front was pushed open by servants from outside.
Seeing this, Jagger continued, "The head of the family steps forward, lights the lamp, and offers incense to invite the ancestors!"
The complex ancient rituals took about half an hour to complete before they could get down to business.
"Today, we open the ancestral hall and invite our ancestors for two matters."
Gunner stood on the steps, scanning everyone present with a serious expression. "The first matter is known to all. Craig made a bet with my disciple. If he loses, his branch will leave the Martinez family and become independent. A bet is a bet. Brice, do you have any objections?"
"I have no objections to the separation, but I demand an explanation from the head of the family regarding my son's poisoning!"
Brice stepped forward with a stern face.
He knew there was no turning back on the bet, but he would never allow Deanna to become the heir of the Martinez family.
Thinking of this, he knelt on the ground and shouted towards the ancestral tablets behind Gunner, "Ancestor, you set a rule that fellow disciples must not harm each other. We accept our loss without complaint, but someone has ignored this rule for personal revenge. I am not convinced!"
Gunner and Deanna's faces turned grim at these words.
The surrounding people looked at Brice as if he were a fool.
No one expected Brice to persist with this matter.
It was well explained that day about Deanna's alleged poisoning.
"Brice, stop causing trouble. We all know your son's situation. Today is Miss Deanna's big day; don't stir up trouble."
"Yes, get up!"
"Without the old master to protect you now, don't do anything foolish."
Everyone tried to persuade Brice.
But Brice remained kneeling, insisting, "I only want fairness. If you can't give it to me, I'll take my son and seek justice from the guests!"
"Are you crazy?"
Many looked at Brice in shock.
Gunner's face darkened completely.
He stared coldly at Brice, his voice icy, "Do you know what you're saying?"
"I know. I demand the truth from the head of the family."
Brice's expression remained unchanged.
Gunner laughed angrily.
He said "good" three times in a row and stepped forward. "Since you want the truth, I'll investigate personally. But if I find out that this was your doing and not my disciple's, you'll not only leave the Martinez family but also forfeit all your shares. Are you sure you want to proceed?"
"I'm sure!"
Brice shouted stubbornly.
He believed that his plan with Brent was flawless!
Moreover, he thought Gunner would have no time to deal with him then.
Unaware of this, Gunner saw Brice's unwavering stance and grew even colder. "Fine. Let's go see your son and find out what poison he has!"
With that, Gunner instructed Deanna and others to wait there before leaving with Jagger.
As they left, silence fell over the scene.
Deanna stood frowning, feeling something was amiss.
Before she could think further, a servant hurried in and approached her urgently. "Miss Deanna, Miss Chloe and Master Gregory are in trouble."
"What happened to them?"
Deanna asked in shock and concern.
The servant replied with red eyes, "Miss Chloe and Master Gregory are missing."
Hearing this, Deanna panicked completely.
"How could they be missing? Have you sent people to search? When did they go missing? Have you called the police?"
She grabbed the servant and asked several questions in quick succession.
The servant stepped back fearfully but answered truthfully, "Mr. Mercer is already searching. We haven't called the police yet because they usually file a case only after 48 hours of disappearance."
Deanna had only one thought: to find the children.
"I need to find them. If my master returns, please inform him."
She didn't forget to leave a message for her master before quickly leaving the ancestral hall.