Chapter 3 Useless Fool

• "More or less," Austin replied nonchalantly. He had not mentioned that he was responsible for the entire southern continent, and had led an army of brave heroic soldiers to defend Harrington. Even if he had explained himself, he knew that no one would believe him.
• Nancy had hoped that Austin would clarify it was a misunderstanding and that he had achieved outstanding results in the military. She could then proudly claim credit for her decision. To her dismay, Austin had provided lackluster replies. Rage pulsed through her veins and she nearly coughed a mouthful of blood. Nancy could not believe that the spiteful words she had said earlier came true.
• "Austin Brigham, you were sent to the military for ten years and all you did was stay in the military kitchen the entire time? Your father will be so disappointed with you!" Nancy pointed her walking cane at the man and hollered. In her moment of furry, she nearly wanted to smash the cane on Austin's head.
• Nancy was truly disappointed at Austin's performance. If he had outstanding achievements, she was willing to accept him as her grandson. She was showing generosity by allowing him to stay in the Brigham family now that he was only a military cook.
• Deborah, who was standing beside Nancy, was feeling utterly embarrassed at the situation. She smoldered with resentment as she thought that Austin would succeed after spending ten years in the military. She thought to herself, who would have known that he is just a lowly cook in the army! I can't believe that I have such a useless husband.
• Everyone in the ancestral hall could not help but burst out in laughter when they learn that Austin was a military cook.
• Mitchel said mockingly, "He was enlisted in the army at such a young age and had been a cook for ten years. Hahaha!" He was even less worried about fighting the inheritance and snatching Deborah away from Austin. After all, no woman, even Deborah, would be willing to suffer with a useless fool like him.
• Mitchel secretly plotted in his heart, I can tell Deborah's parents about this useless man and I'm sure she will divorce him in no time.
• Nancy felt even more humiliated when she witnessed the jeers from the Brigham family. She secretly swore that she never wanted to see Austin ever again.
• Nancy cleared her throat and said in an authoritative tone, "Enough about Austin. I'm going to announce an important matter next." The old woman had a dominating presence, and the seriousness of the situation was evident in the way her countenance changed.
• The room immediately fell silent and all the Brighams turned their attention to Nancy. "I hereby announce that from next month, Mitchel will officially be appointed as the CEO of Brigham Corporation. Deborah will remain as the Head of Operations. She will also be appointed as the Deputy CEO."
• The Brigham Corporation was the most profiting and promising business in the family. Everyone thought that Mitchel was deserving of the position as he was the eldest grandson. However, they were surprised to learn that Deborah would be appointed as the Deputy CEO. Moreover, judging by how Nancy had announced their appointments together, it seemed to suggest that she was hoping for Deborah to be Mitchel's wife.
• Some of the bystanders naturally turned to look at Austin with varying expressions. Old Mrs. Brigham has made her intentions clear. This useless fool has no choice but to give up his wife. They mused happily to themselves as they awaited an interesting showdown.
• "Grandma, I'm so busy being the Head of Operations. I don't think I have time to deal with the responsibilities of being a Deputy CEO," Deborah hurried declined the offer. However, she was mindful of her words and to avoid being disrespectful.
• "If you are too busy, you can give up your position as Head of Operations and concentrate on being the Deputy CEO. Everyone knows of your capabilities, Deborah. I'll only be able to have peace of mind if you are the one supporting Mitchel," Nancy assured. She was bent on matchmaking Mitchel and Deborah.
• Deborah was at a lost for words, not knowing how to reject the elderly lady's offer. She turned to look at Austin, hoping that her husband would be brave enough to protest against Nancy's decision. Yet, he chose to remain silent. Feeling disappointed, she thought to herself, what a useless fool. He choose to do nothing when his wife is on the verge of being shoved to another man. I can't depend on him any longer.
• "Austin, all these years you have never contributed to the Brigham family. You have also never helped out at the Brigham Corporation. In fact, it was Deborah who arranged for your dad's funeral when he passed away. What are your thoughts now that your wife will be taking on more responsibilities at Brigham Corporation?" Nancy said in an icy tone, refusing to look Austin in the eye.
• Deborah felt sorry for Austin when she saw how all the Brighams were staring at him with looks of contempt and continuously made cynical remarks. However, she hoped that he could stand up for her and oppose Nancy's announcement.
• "I don't have a view," Austin simply replied.
• Tears welled up in Deborah's eyes and she felt immense disappointment. She had waited four years for Austin's return and yet he did not seem to care about her.
• "You are such a useless fool, Austin Brigham!" Deborah shrieked. She pointed at the man's nose and chided as tears rolled down her cheeks. No one in the room took pity on Austin. In fact, they were gloating at his misfortune.
• "Does anyone else have any other opinions? If not, this matter is settled." Nancy looked around the room as she said. No one dared to oppose the words of the head of the Brigham family.
• Deborah's role as the Deputy CEO was thus cast in stone. However, she felt utterly embarrassed and was almost choking on her tears. She could not wait to get out of the situation.
• "Let's go home. My parents want to meet you," Deborah glanced at Austin and said tersely. She then made her way out of the ancestral hall without waiting for the man.
• Austin kept silent and followed Deborah close behind. He was unperturbed by the mockeries and hurtful words from the Brigham family as it was well within his expectations. As a man who had been out fighting for his life on the battlefield, he would have long been dead if he was reactive to nasty encounters. Thus, Austin paid no heed to such insignificant matters. However, he felt apologetic to Deborah as he had not wished for her to be on the receiving end of such unpleasantries. Despite so, he chose to avoid retaliation as he knew that it was not the right time to strike back.
• The Brigham family showed no intention of asking Austin to stay. They were just concerned about gloating over his misfortunes. They did not see the need to be kind with their words as they never once saw Austin as part of the family.
• Once they were out of the ancestral hall, Deborah made her way to the carpark. She hurriedly opened the door and sat on the driver's seat in annoyance. Austin remained silent the whole time as he sat in the passenger seat.
• In an attempt to release her pent-up frustrations, Deborah stepped hard on the accelerator and the car took off rapidly. They nearly collided with a car troop as soon as they left the main gate. Luckily, Deborah managed to break in time and an accident was avoided. As she was catching her breath, she lifted her head and saw the odd car troop in front of her.
• A couple of unusual-looking SUVs were at the front of the group, and a truck was in the rear. The mysterious objects in the vehicle compartments were secured. The men driving the vehicles were dressed in impeccable suits and sat upright in their seats. It was evident that they were no ordinary men.
• Deborah was still reeling from the near-accident, so she gently patted herself on the chest to calm herself down. She was surprised to see that the peculiar car troop stopped in front of the Brigham family's ancestral hall.
• "What are these men doing at the ancestral hall? Did something happen?" Deborah muttered to herself anxiously.