Chapter 6 Shocked

• Tall, handsome, and dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, the man was familiar, so familiar that it sent a jolt through Mark.
• He blinked, rubbed his eyes, and then bolted forward.
• "Dave, have you lost your mind? What do you think you're doing here? Do you even know what kind of event this is?"
• Mark's voice boomed with a mix of panic and fury, his face flushed. "Are you so desperate to get married that you'd pull a stunt like this? Get down from there, now!"
• He lunged to grab Dave, but it was too late. Dave was already walking up onto the stage with a calm, purposeful stride.
• "Mr. Granger, I'm so sorry! He... He's been under a lot of stress recently, and I'm afraid it's affected his mind."
• Mark turned toward Marcus, his words stumbling over themselves as he scrambled to apologize, but what he saw next made his stomach drop. The expression on Marcus' face had darkened, his displeasure visible.
• Sensing disaster, Mark hastily added, "Mr. Granger, I've already severed all ties with him. He's no longer part of the Orion Family. Whatever he does, it has nothing to do with us. You can deal with him however you see fit."
• "Dave, is Mark your father?"
• Marcus finally spoke, his voice low and heavy as he looked at Dave.
• "He used to be." Dave smiled faintly, his demeanor cool and composed. "As you just heard, he cut all ties with me long ago."
• "Is that so? Well then, it seems the Granger Family is no longer worthy of becoming in-laws with the Orion Family."
• Marcus waved his hand, his expression hardening. "Please escort Mr. Mark out."
• Without hesitation, two bodyguards moved forward and grabbed Mark by the arms, dragging him toward the exit.
• "Wait, Mr. Granger... Please!" Mark opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but before he could speak, the emcee's voice rang out:
• "Ladies and gentlemen, many of you may not be familiar with the groom, so allow me to introduce him. His name is Dave Orion, the top physician of Granville, and an apprentice of the renowned Drug Lord!"
• It was obvious that this part of the ceremony was specially arranged by Marcus. After all, if he was giving his daughter's hand in marriage, the groom had to be someone of standing.
• Mark was stunned. Dave is the groom? He's the one marrying Crystal? He's also the Drug Lord's apprentice? What... What in the world was happening? Hasn't Dave just been released from prison today? How is this even possible?
• As he was unceremoniously ushered out of the banquet hall, his gaze darted around, seeking any sign of empathy or support from the assembled guests. However, his desperate eyes met only evasive stares. The crowd seemed to deliberately avoid his gaze, their faces averted as if to escape his silent plea for understanding.
• Many of them were secretly shaking their heads. What did Mark do? He has thrown away the perfect opportunity to form an alliance with the Granger Family, and on top of that, he has offended their son-in-law.
• Moments earlier, those same individuals had pledged to attend Lionel's wedding later that day. Yet, one by one, they began to reconsider, deciding it was in their best interest to distance themselves from Mark entirely.
• In their view, avoiding him was becoming the prudent choice.
• Stumbling as he was unceremoniously shoved out of the hall, his mind was in complete disarray. He still couldn't believe what had just unfolded. How could this have happened?
• In his eyes, Dave had always been nothing but a fool and a burden. Keeping him in the Orion Family only spelled trouble.
• Can it really be true? Has Dave suddenly catapulted to the top by latching onto the powerful Granger Family?
• "Dad, you're back already? Finished delivering the gift so quickly?"
• Lionel and Jessie stepped outside, curiosity piqued.
• "Let's go in and see for ourselves who got so lucky to actually marry Crystal, that stunning beauty," Lionel muttered, unable to hide a hint of jealousy in his voice. After all, Crystal was every man's dream in Granville. For most, catching even a glimpse of her was a rare occasion, let alone marrying her.
• Suddenly, a sharp gasp escaped from Jessie's lips.
• "Ah!"
• She froze at the entrance of the banquet hall, her hand flying to cover her mouth, her face a mask of disbelief.
• "What's wrong?" Lionel asked, moving closer, confused by her reaction.
• Jessie didn't respond immediately, her eyes fixed on the stage. Her trembling hand slowly extended, pointing toward it.
• Lionel followed her gaze, his confusion deepening. His eyes instinctively landed on the seductive and dazzling figure of Crystal standing on the stage.
• At that moment, Marcus was placing Crystal's hand into another man's.
• Lionel's gaze shifted from her to the man beside her.
• The moment he saw the man's face, his eyes went wide, shock hitting him like a bolt of lightning.