Evelyn Ross's gaze immediately shifted to the doorway.

The sect leader's voice was still hoarse, just like the last time she heard it.

But the mischievous tone felt strangely familiar.

Especially that careless, flippant manner... it was exactly like a playful old man.

It was identical to her own master's demeanor.

As she pondered this, a familiar figure appeared at the door.

The sect leader wore a gray training uniform.

His short hair was messy and unruly.

He stood with his back to everyone, hands clasped behind him.

His posture was that of a reclusive master.

Evelyn pressed her lips together in silent exasperation.

Ethan Valentine leaned close to her ear, whispering softly.

"The sect leader is putting on airs again."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow.

Seeing this, Mrs. Evans immediately sneered.

"Sect Leader Cortez, I've been waiting for quite some time. You're certainly not in a hurry!"

Though it was clearly sarcasm, the sect leader seemed oblivious.

He chuckled good-naturedly.

"Ah, I'm getting old. But I am a martial artist, so my legs are still quicker than most."

Mrs. Evans felt like she had punched a cushion.

Frustration welled up inside her.

She took a deep breath and pointed at Evelyn.

"Sect Leader, what did you mean by that earlier? Are you planning to protect this Outer Disciple?"

"Absolutely not!"

The sect leader denied it immediately.

"Cortez Sect affairs are always handled according to our rules! How could we show favoritism?"

Mrs. Evans' expression softened slightly.

But then the sect leader's tone shifted.

"I'm thinking of Justin Evans's reputation. He's a Registered Disciple of the Fifth Uncle. He's quite successful in New York. Everyone says his martial arts are exceptional. If we punish this Outer Disciple girl today, wouldn't that be announcing to the world that he was beaten by an Outer Disciple? Justin, do you really not care about your reputation?"

Justin Evans was taken aback.

His entire social circle relied on his reputation!

That's why he insisted on spreading rumors about Mina Sherwood—to show off.

The fact that he got beaten up hadn't spread yet...

If it became common knowledge, how could he ever show his face again?

Justin hesitated, but Mrs. Evans already snapped sharply.

"Sect Leader Cortez, you're quite the smooth talker! Clearly, it's your Outer Disciple who violated the sect rules and assaulted a Registered Disciple. Yet you're blaming the victim? Are you seriously asking my son why Evelyn Ross didn't hit anyone else but him?"

The sect leader immediately seized the opportunity.

"Yes, that's exactly what I'm asking. Why did she only hit you? Justin, shouldn't you reflect on yourself... maybe you just have a punchable face? Or perhaps your face says 'come hit me'?"

Mrs. Evans shot to her feet, enraged.

"Joseph Cortez, you...!!"

"Now, now, don't get angry, Mrs. Evans. Anger causes wrinkles!" Joseph Cortez said with a cheeky grin.

"Besides, children must find their own path. Our Cortez Sect has its rules, but if my son got beaten up, I wouldn't fight his battles for him. I'd tell him to train harder and get his revenge later..."

Mrs. Evans sneered.

"You are you, and I am me! The Cortez family are martial artists who believe in proving themselves through combat. We, the Evans family, are merchants. We only take legal routes! Sect Leader Cortez, if you insist on not punishing this Outer Disciple according to the sect rules, then don't blame me for calling the police!"

"There's no need for that, no need..."

Joseph Cortez waved his hands repeatedly, still keeping his back to everyone.

"We're all reasonable people. How about this: I'll ask the Third Master Valentine to come apologize to you in person?"

Mrs. Evans' eyes lit up for a moment before she scoffed.

"Don't try your handsome man tricks on me! My husband is still at home. That won't work on me!"

Joseph Cortez coughed dryly.

"What handsome man tricks? We're all old friends... The Third Master Valentine's daughter hit your son. It's only right that he apologizes... If you're worried your husband will get jealous and don't want him coming to your home, then he can come here. We can discuss it properly."

Mrs. Evans said sarcastically.

"Stop talking nonsense, Joseph Cortez! You've had your back to me since you arrived. What does that mean? Do you find me unworthy of your gaze? Or is my appearance so offensive it would give you a sty?"

"Not at all, not at all!" Joseph Cortez said with a smile.

"Mrs. Evans, you are a great beauty. You were famously beautiful in New York when you were young. Didn't we just see each other recently? It's just... well, I'm a bit inconvenienced. I'm afraid my current appearance might damage the Cortez Sect's image!"

Mrs. Evans was furious.

"Stop making excuses! I think you just look down on women! Joseph Cortez, are you planning to settle this today with your back to me the entire time?"

"Not exactly..." Joseph Cortez sighed softly.

"If you insist on facing me, Mrs. Evans, it's not impossible..."

Evelyn stared intently at Joseph Cortez, a faint anticipation growing in her heart.

She saw Joseph Cortez's body pause slightly.

Then, slowly and very reluctantly, he began to turn around...