Seeing Johnston’s “I’ve got your back” attitude, I instantly understood. He was letting me vent. “During the auction, he gave up on his own. Now he wants to take it back—probably because he didn’t actually have the money and had no choice but to steal it from me.” I answered honestly, without exaggeration. Andrix’s face changed dramatically. When Johnston suddenly showed up with a group of people surrounding us, and now with me saying this, everyone in the black market would know Andrix tried to rob the Spirit Fruit because he couldn’t afford it. Even the black market has rules. Once word gets out, no one will want to do business with him here again. Johnston sneered. “Mr. Salvatore, is what Raelynn said true?” Andrix was speechless. Things had escalated beyond his control, and he didn’t know how to explain. I felt incredibly satisfied inside. I hadn’t expected to gain such a powerful backer on a simple trip to the black market. Andrix could only speak in a low voice, trying to explain, “I just… I really needed that Spirit Fruit, so I was hoping to negotiate with Ms. Beck to buy it from her. I really didn’t have enough money…” His eyes landed on Aiden, as if he’d found a lifeline. “That’s my big brother. How could I possibly be trying to fight with my big brother? I just wanted to talk to Ms. Beck. I didn’t mean to steal anything.” But Aiden didn’t acknowledge him. He simply said, “You’ve already severed ties with the Eclipse Pack. So why are you still using the Wens’ name while you’re out in the world?” Andrix’s expression froze. He had nothing to say. Several buyers from Varken chimed in too, “That’s right. Just last month, Andrix publicly declared he was cutting ties with the Eclipse Pack. Alpha Wen was so angry he ended up in the hospital.” Andrix was immediately shoved into the spotlight.The surrounding werewolves began whispering, their expressions full of disdain. Andrix’s face turned pale as he stood stiffly, stubbornly trying to maintain what little dignity he had left. He glared hatefully at Aiden, the person who had exposed and humiliated him. Seeing that things had gone far enough, and not wanting to push Andrix into a corner, I smiled at Johnston and said, “Maybe we should let it go. We used to be friends. No need to make it uglier than it already is.” Johnston nodded approvingly. “My goddaughter is so kind and thoughtful. Fine then, let Mr. Salvatore go.” Just as he finished speaking, Johnston seemed to think of something else and added, “Also, from now on, Mr. Salvatore is no longer welcome in any black market I oversee.” That made Andrix clench his fists tightly. He threw one last hateful look at us before leaving with his head low. The crowd, realizing the show was over, quickly dispersed. Johnston turned to me with a wide grin. “Good thing I got here in time. Otherwise, you would’ve been in trouble.” I gave him a warm smile. “Thanks for stepping in.” But Johnston’s face suddenly shifted. He looked annoyed. “I already said you’re my goddaughter. That means you’re under my protection now. Starting today, you really are my goddaughter.” I bit my lip, feeling a bit awkward. “I’m not sure that’s appropriate…” “What’s inappropriate about it? Since you can’t be my daughter-in-law, you might as well be my goddaughter. I really like you, girl—you’re smart, capable, and impressive. My useless son could learn a lot from you.” His words made me laugh. So even the black market boss was just an ordinary dad at heart. His nagging actually reminded me a little of my own father. That thought brought my mood down again. I have to find Mom, no matter what. Aiden seemed to sense what I was thinking. He reached over and gently ran his fingers through my hair. “Since Mr. Johnston insists, you should just accept.” “Alright.” I tentatively called him that, and Johnston beamed from ear to ear.“Great! If you ever need anything, come find me. It’s all free. This place has everything. If there’s something you want, I’ll save it for you ahead of time.” His powerful, doting tone genuinely touched me. “Thank you.” Still, it was kind of wild to walk out of here with such a big card up my sleeve. “Next time, I’ll introduce you to your godbrother. I’ve got something to take care of, so I’ll be going now.” Johnston left in a hurry, and Aiden and I also left the black market. As soon as we stepped outside, I could clearly feel something was off with Aiden. His steps were unsteady, and his face was flushed with an unnatural red. “Aiden, what’s wrong?” I grabbed his arm and pressed my hand to his forehead. It was burning hot. “Aiden, you’ve got a fever!” The words had barely left my mouth when Aiden, who had just been barely standing, suddenly collapsed to the ground.