Chapter 8 I Am the Nation's Protector

• Mike signalled approval by lifting his thumb, remarking, "I'll give you a thumbs up."
• Hannah erupted, "Tina, how dare you accuse me of being ugly? Are you looking for trouble?"
• "Why should I not call you an ugly woman?" Tina shot back.
• Gwen expressed her discontent, "Ms. Peterson, do not look down at others. Today, I will show you the magnificence of my daughter!"
• Pulling out her mobile phone, she accessed the photo gallery, positioned herself next to Harold, played a video, and declared, "Mr. Peterson, observe closely. These are the entirety of the gifts bestowed upon Hannah by the Nation's Protector. If you still doubt us after seeing this, you might miss the opportunity to associate with my family."
• As the video played, numerous boxes filled with gold bars were unveiled one after another. Harold seized Gwen's phone and observed intently.
• Towards the end of the video, a list of gifts appeared, stating: 'The Winters have a virtuous daughter, greatly beloved by the Nation's Protector. First, a massive amount of betrothal gifts are handed, followed by the marriage with the beloved daughter.'
• The betrothal gifts included:
• One ton of gold!
• Fifteen million dollars in cash!
• …
• The betrothal gifts mentioned earlier were bestowed by the Nation's Protector.
• "Oh my goodness!"
• After viewing the video, Harold exclaimed, "Undoubtedly, the Nation's Protector did present betrothal gifts to the Winters!"
• "Can such a thing really happen?"
• Tina voiced her scepticism, seized the phone, and replayed the video.
• After watching the video, she exclaimed, "Wow!"
• She gasped, her hand instinctively covering her mouth as her eyes mirrored a mix of astonishment, disbelief, and various other intricate emotions.
• "Have you seen sufficient evidence?"
• Gwen haughtily reclaimed the phone.
• "Indeed, I have."
• Harold nodded vigorously, clasping Tony's hand tightly, radiating immense satisfaction. "Tony, you are undeniably an exceptional individual. It's an honour for Tina to become your wife. I wholeheartedly agree to this marriage."
• Arranging my daughter's marriage and thus becoming kin to the Nation's Protector was a matter of great prestige. Not only within the business circles of Aetherfield but throughout the entire business community of the Lorrenvia, who wouldn't show respect to me in the days to come?
• "I object to this marriage," Hannah declared with fury. "Tina, this superficial woman, is unworthy of being my sister-in-law or bearing any relation to my husband, the Nation's Protector."
• "Yuck!"
• Mike couldn't suppress his disgust.
• This is outrageous! Who does she think her husband is?
• Observing Hannah's furious gaze directed at him, Luna promptly placed a hand over his mouth and spoke with a gentle smile, "Hannah, please don't be upset. Mike may have been overwhelmed by the task of handling numerous betrothal gifts. He didn't intend to offend you. Let's not dwell on it."
• Only then that Hannah avert her gaze.
• "Immediate apologise to Mrs. Protector!" Harold ordered.
• Tina dared not display any defiance and promptly bowed, offering her apology, "I beg your pardon, Mrs. Protector. My actions were inappropriate and disrespectful. Please forgive me."
• Hannah crossed her arms, casting a disdainful gaze upon her.
• With anxiety evident, Tina urgently clasped Tony's arm and implored, "Tony, please tell your sister to forgive me on my behalf. From now on, I promise I will be your obedient wife. I'll do everything you say."
• Simultaneously, she leaned in, pressing her chest against Tony's arm.
• Tony felt a sense of calm and grinned, saying, "Hannah, don't be mad at Tina. Show some respect to me and listen to my words."
• Hannah replied casually, "I simply don't think she deserved such lavish betrothal gifts. However, if you insist on marrying her, let's move on. Just pretend the recent events never happened."
• At the mention of this, both Harold and Tina erupted into laughter.
• In particular, Harold, displaying keen attention, chimed in, "Old Mrs. Winters, as of today, our families are officially united. If there's anything that bothers you about Tina joining the Winters, feel free to voice it. You can scold her, even hit her. You don't have to worry about my feelings.
• "Regarding the betrothal gifts, I'll accept them initially. Upon Tina's marriage, I'll repay threefold the dowry to Tony!"
• Rose gladly agreed.
• The betrothal gifts were assessed at more than 8,4 million, tripling that would total around 25,2 million, yielding a profit exceeding 15 million dollars. The Winters wouldn't amass such wealth even in the span of twenty years!
• Gwen and her husband were equally delighted.
• Their children had truly excelled!
• Lana's envy only intensified, as she pointed at Luna and Frank, berating them, "Look at Tony and Hannah, so accomplished. And then look at you two, not even worth their leg hair. It's utterly exasperating. How did I end up with two such inept children!"
• Luna and Frank lowered their heads.
• In that instant, Harold beckoned, "Please, take a seat, esteemed in-laws. I will share the news throughout the business circles of Aetherfield, summoning them to come and offer congratulations to the Winters. The imminent rise of the Fallbrook Trading is but a matter of days!"
• An hour later, the prominent figures of the Aetherfield business circle arrived at the Petersons' residence.
• "Old Mrs. Winters, congratulations! It's an honour to meet you. Here's a modest token of esteem."
• "Ms. Hannah, congratulations on becoming our Nation's Protector's wife. We look forward to your guidance in Aetherfield henceforth. Please accept this small gift."
• "Old Mrs. Winters, I arrived in haste and regrettably didn't bring a gift, but don't worry. From now on, every steel bar on my construction site shall be sourced from your Fallbrook Trading!"
• Rose beamed with delight.
• These tycoons, each boasting assets surpassing hundreds of millions. Once, she hadn't even qualified to shake hands with them. But now, as they vied for her favour, she felt as though she had reached the pinnacle of life.
• In that instant, a CEO nudged his son forward, wearing a broad grin. "Old Mrs. Winters, does the Winters happen to have any daughters eligible for marriage? I'm prepared to offer a dowry of 30 million dollars to wed her to my son."
• Lana swiftly interrupted, "Absolutely, my daughter Luna is indeed getting married."
• "That's great!"
• The CEO's eyes gleamed with anticipation as he propelled his son forward, his laughter ringing out. "Ms. Luna, I am Nico Ledger, with assets surpassing 300 million dollars. I present to you my son, Noah. Please consider becoming his wife. I guarantee that the Ledgers will lavish you with the utmost care and reverence."
• Luna smiled gracefully and declined, "I regret to inform you, Mr. Ledger, that I am already married."
• Lana chuckled loudly. "My daughter's current husband is so poor and useless. I'm thinking of replacing him. Mr. Ledger, would you object if my daughter were to be divorced?"
• Noah shook his head and responded, "I have no objections whatsoever. Having travelled abroad, I have an open-minded perspective. Those matters do not make me concerned."
• He then knelt before Luna, his sincerity evident in his words, "Ms. Winters, I hope you accept my proposal. I pledge to shower you with wealth and luxury. If you accept, I will immediately buy a Ferrari for you."
• Luna shook her head firmly and replied, "I have no intention to marry again."
• However, Noah grasped onto her leg, pleading, "Your mom stated that your current husband is poor and incapable of bringing you happiness. Please consider marrying me. Only I can provide you with the happiness you deserve."
• Unable to contain his frustration any longer, Mike grabbed Noah and gestured towards Hannah, his tone laced with anger, "If you're intent on proposing, direct your proposal towards Hannah, not my wife. My wife is wedded to the Nation's Protector, unlike you, a mere toad!"
• With that, he forcefully pushed Noah towards Hannah.
• "What did he say? She is the Nation's Protector's wife?"
• All gazes shifted to Luna in that instant.
• Mike confirmed, "That's right! The one marrying the Nation's Protector is her, not Hannah, this brazen woman!"
• As the words spilt forth, Hannah exploded, jabbing her finger at Mike and retorting, "You despicable man! Who do you think you are to doubt that the Nation's Protector will not wed me?"
• Taking a step forward, Mike's countenance grew solemn as he asserted, "I am the Nation's Protector. Do you not recognise whom I have selected as my wife? You don't have the right to parade before me and claim that I want to marry you!"