Chapter 3 The Richest

• "Did you know about Jessie all along?" Dave sighed heavily, his heart weighed down by a mixture of frustration and resignation.
• He had read through Crystal's background thoroughly before. She was the daughter of the Granger Family, the most prominent family in Granville, and the famed beauty who stood at the helm of the Granger Group. People called her the most beautiful woman in the entire city.
• Rufus nodded in affirmation, his tone steady but decisive. "Master believes you shouldn't waste your energy on Jessie. She isn't worth it.
• "Let's head to the hotel," Dave said, his enthusiasm clearly dimmed. After the emotional blow from Jessie, his earlier excitement about getting married faded into apathy. Yet, as much as the idea of marriage no longer appealed to him, he knew better than to go against his master's wishes. Duty-bound, he would follow through.
• …
• The Granville Hotel was a beacon of luxury and prestige in Granville.
• On the second floor, the atmosphere buzzed with conversation and laughter.
• "President Mark, congratulations!" came a cheerful greeting from a guest.
• "Mr. Mark, welcome! Please, head inside. The wedding banquet is in Hall B." Mark, the father of the groom, was in high spirits, his face glowing with pride as he welcomed guests attending Lionel's wedding.
• In recent years, the Orion Family had seen incredible success. Their wealth had surged past the ten-billion mark. While they still couldn't rival the most prominent families, they had certainly risen to the ranks of high society. Today's wedding was not just a celebration of love but also a pivotal moment for Mark to bolster the family's influence.
• His gaze suddenly locked onto a familiar figure, and in an instant, his expression changed.
• "Dave, what are you doing here?"
• Mark rushed over, his voice low but urgent. His brows were furrowed with clear displeasure. "Didn't Jessie explain everything to you? Why are you still causing a scene?
• "Just leave, and I promise you, if you don't stir up trouble today, I'll give you some money tomorrow. How about that?"
• Dave stood his ground, staring directly at his father, unblinking. His voice was quiet but firm. "Is all you care about Lionel's wedding?" he asked. His words were measured, tinged with bitterness. "I've been locked away for five years. Today's my first day out, and you don't seem to care at all, do you?"
• "I cut ties with you a long time ago!" Mark scoffed, his face twisted with disdain. His words were as cold as the air between them. "You brought this on yourself, Dave. Don't expect to drag our family name down with your foolishness."
• Dave's expression remained steady, but his fists clenched at his sides. "Did Jessie ever tell you? I went to prison for her, took the blame for her crime." He drew in a long breath.
• "Shut up!" Mark's voice was sharper now, and his face darkened with fury. "Don't you dare spout such nonsense without any proof!" His eyes were hard, full of warning.
• "But," he added, his voice turning cruel, "I already knew. That's why I cut you off in the first place."
• Dave's breath hitched, but his father continued without pause, his voice dripping with contempt. "You're the heir of a wealthy family, and yet you went to prison for a woman? You really are an idiot. What right do you have to call yourself my son?"
• His words stung, each one laced with scorn. "If I let you stay in this family, we'd all be ruined by your stupidity sooner or later."
• Mark waved a hand dismissively, already turning his attention elsewhere. "Now, get out of here. I've got guests to greet. Tomorrow, I'll give you 150,000. Take it, buy yourself a house in some small town, and live out the rest of your days there. Just stay away from me. You're a disgrace!"
• Looking at his father, Dave felt a strange sense of unfamiliarity, yet at the same time, something about him seemed all too familiar.
• Ever since his mother passed away when he was just five years old, the Orion Family had never really felt like home to him.
• "Mr. Mark, you've misunderstood. I'm only here to attend a different wedding. It has absolutely nothing to do with your family's event," Dave said calmly, his voice steady and composed.
• To him, this family held nothing worth staying for.
• "Nonsense!" Mark shouted, his face flushing with anger. "What exactly are you trying to pull? Is 150,000 not enough? Fine! How much do you want? Just name your price!" His voice grew harsher. "But I warn you, don't push your luck!"
• "I already told you, I'm here for another wedding. Now, would you kindly step aside?" Dave's tone grew colder as his patience began to wane.
• "You're still spouting lies!" Mark's rage only intensified, his eyes glaring with fury. "There's no other wedding on this floor but ours. Who are you trying to fool?
• "If you continue this nonsense, I'll call security and have you thrown out!"
• "Who said this floor only belongs to your family's wedding?" a deep voice interrupted, resonating with authority.
• A large group of people approached, led by an imposing middle-aged man whose very presence exuded power and command. Even without speaking, his aura alone could silence a room.
• It was none other than Marcus, the head of the Granger Family, Granville's most powerful clan and the city's wealthiest man.