The Strongest Curse Master - Chapter 163

Chapter 163: Leader & Guardian Chapter 163: Leader & Guardian “Mandy, who do you think is the most dangerous being in the world?” Ace asked, his gaze fixed on the rolling expanse of grassland stretching out before him.

Cattle grazed lazily, while cowboys rode their horses along the fence line, checking for signs of tampering.

A gentle morning breeze rolled down from the distant mountains, carrying with it the earthy scent of the raw scene.

“Really?

When I agreed to talk, I didn’t sign up for a counseling session,” Mandy said, rolling her eyes at Ace.

She crossed her arms, clearly uninterested in humoring his question.

But as her eyes met his, seeing the flicker of seriousness in them her demeanor softened.

She sighed and answered, “Humans.” “I used to think the same,” Ace said after a pause.

He shifted his weight and glanced back at the fields, his expression darkening.

“But there are things worse than humans.” Mandy frowned, her brow furrowed in confusion as she tried to follow his line of thought.

Before she could ask, Ace turned back to her.

“You are friends with Janice, did you ever ask her why she quit acting?” “What does that have to do with what we’re talking about?” Mandy asked, tilting her head slightly, the confusion evident in her voice.

“The reason she quit acting is almost the same as why I’m against you turning the estate into an orchard B&B-or starting one anywhere else, for that matter,” Ace said with an uncharacteristic edge, weighing how much to reveal.

Mandy opened her mouth to argue but stopped when she noticed the tension in his shoulders, the way his jaw clenched briefly before he exhaled.

“She said she had to quit acting because it clashed with her family business,” Mandy muttered in a quiet tone.

Recalling the memory now she felt something amiss about it.

Ace gave her a knowing look.

He didn’t want to drag her into the “World of Curses”-she was too pure, too untainted for such a grim reality.

But the path she was walking would inevitably lead her to someone from that world.

She already had, though Janice had been merciful.

The next encounter might not be so forgiving.

He needed Mandy to understand, even if only subconsciously.

One day, when such a time comes, she’d remember this conversation-and she’d know she wasn’t alone in the two worlds.

She had him.

“Mandy, why do you think I asked for farmland, of all things Janice could have given me?” Ace asked.

His tone was calm, but the sharpness in his gaze revealed he knew Mandy was starting to see through his and Janice’s carefully crafted excuses-every discrepancy, every omission for what they were-lies, plain and simple.

“Does Janice know?” Mandy asked, as a dangerous glint flashed in her eyes.

Her voice was steady, but it was clear she cared more about the implications for his relationship with Janice than uncovering the truth itself.

“No,” Ace replied firmly.

“She can never know-especially because of her family business.” His voice softened hinting her that none of this could fall into Janice’s ears.

“I see,” Mandy said, her expression softened pivoting back to the previous topic, “So why farmland?

Wasn’t it for your father?” Ace hesitated for a moment before revealing, “My father was part of the reason.

But the truth?

I wanted to create a sanctuary for the family.

Somewhere far from the dangers of world I know.” He closed his eyes briefly, letting the fresh breeze sweep over him, carrying a rare sense of relief.

His shoulders felt less burdened.  “And me planning to use the estate to start an Orchard B&B…” Mandy’s voice trailed off as understanding dawned on her.

“That’s the same as destroying the sanctuary you worked to build for the family, isn’t it?” Ace nodded slightly.

Before he could respond, Mandy’s hand shot out to grip his shoulder, spinning him to face her.

Her eyes locked onto his, unwavering.

“Your combat skills, your firearms expertise,” she said, her voice low but charged, “are they for fighting those dangers you are unable to speak of?” “You don’t need to worry about that,” Ace assured her with a confident smile, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“You focus on leading the family.

Leave guarding it to me.” Mandy studied him for a moment, her intense expression softening.

An unconscious smile crept across her face as her hand drifted to his.

Their fingers brushed, and for a fleeting moment, the tension between them ebbed.

“Nephew,” she began with a teasing lilt, “if I were a few years younger, I’d say screw society and date you for real.” Ace raised an eyebrow and with a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes he said, “Auntie, if that were the case, I’d have to reject you.” He paused dramatically, savoring the moment her eyes widened in surprise before adding, “You see, I’ve got a thing for older women.” “Nephew,” Mandy eyes narrowed in mock-stern as she released his hands and clasped hers behind her back.

Leaning forward playfully, her eyes rolled upward to meet his, “are you flirting with your auntie?” “Auntie, if I were, believe me-you’d know,” Ace smoothly replied as a sly grin spread across his face.  “Why would you flirt with your aunt when there are young girls throwing themselves at you, you little heartbreaker?” Mandy teased with a knowing smirk playing on her lips and raised an eyebrow before adding, “Like Ava Martin, for instance.” Her voice was light, but her expression turned serious as she continued, “Don’t worry.

I’ll get my sister-and your mother-to back off.” “No need for that,” Ace said, shaking his head.

“Just stall for a while.

I’ll bring you the business proposal I promised.

If you think it’s something worth backing, you can use it to sway their minds.” His tone was calm but deliberate, not wanting Mandy to lose the trust of his mother and aunt over this.

Mandy studied him for a moment, before nodding in agreement, “Alright.” Then, with genuine concern evident in her eyes, she said, “Nephew, you know you’re not alone in this, right?

You have us.

If you ever need my help, come to me.

I’ll do my best-no questions asked.”  Ace smiled faintly, the corners of his mouth lifting as he met her gaze.

“I’ll hold you to that,” he said with a small nod.

“But for now,” he steadily added, with a hint of grin creeping into his tone, “help me rent a dirt bike-and cover for me at home.” “Is that all?” “Also, help David sell his estate if he comes to you.

Don’t worry, I’m just planning to take care of that problem with its roots.”