Chapter 10 Deducting Your Salary

• The Bensons were thrown into turmoil.
• They were completely unaware of the animosity the family harbored toward this man. It seemed unjust and pitiful.
• They were typically formidable, but now they were confronted with a fierce opponent, causing them to shrink like frightened prey.
• "I am Maxwell York, and my wife is Daphne Lewis. I heard you're trying to get my wife married into your family."
• Maxwell's voice was steady as he stood beside Shaun's coffin.
• In the glare of the sun, Shaun was overcome with shock and disbelief, his eyes wide with astonishment.
• He struggled to form words; his attempts to speak were futile. He could only stare, wide-eyed and speechless.
• Maxwell?
• Isn't he the rogue who wronged Daphne and then disappeared years ago?
• He had returned. It appeared that he held a significant position in the military.
• "It seems you didn't quite understand my message," Maxwell repeated calmly.
• "I'm all ears," Shaun replied, swallowing hard, finally understanding why Maxwell had delivered the coffin, and seething with anger toward the Lewis family.
• Maxwell's return and the Lewis family's deception infuriated Shaun.
• He wished he could confront Carsen and exact revenge right then and there.
• "Please share your thoughts," Maxwell prompted.
• Shaun felt cold sweat trickling down his forehead.
• He cast a glance at Maxwell.
• His demeanor was gentle, yet it instilled fear in those around him.
• "Mr. York, I was deceived by Carsen. That scoundrel claimed you had long since disappeared. I, too, was deceived. I gave Carsen a significant amount of money as a dowry. I offer my sincere apologies," Shaun confessed.
• However, it was too late for him to cry now.
• Unaware of Maxwell's military standing,
• Shaun could sense the authority emanating from these soldiers. It hinted at a significant rank.
• The transition from a former rogue to a military leader was undeniably intimidating.
• Maxwell prodded further, "And then?"
• "I'll call Carsen immediately and cancel the marriage," Shaun declared firmly.
• "Very well," Maxwell replied with a nod.
• Shaun swiftly dialed Carsen's number, his frustration boiling inside. If he had a weapon, he might have lashed out at Carsen right then and there. When the call connected, he wasted no time, "Carsen, the wedding between my son and Daphne is off. You need to return the money."
• Canceled?
• Carsen was taken aback. He couldn't believe Shaun's words.
• "Shaun, is there a misunderstanding? Daphne agreed to marry your son. She's obedient and will surely take good care of Magnus," Carsen tried to reason.
• Take care of my son? Shaun bit back a curse and reiterated firmly, "Carsen, I'll say it again. The wedding is off.
• "Return the money!
• "If you refuse, don't blame me for being harsh."
• With that, Shaun ended the call.
• "Sir, what's your take on this? Is it acceptable?" Shaun asked cautiously.
• "Acceptable, for the time being," Maxwell acknowledged with a slight nod, though he understood that being too lenient with the Bensons wouldn't suffice.
• "When my wife finishes her job, I expect your entire family to come to the company and offer her a sincere apology.
• "If she refuses to accept your apology, I'll have to take further measures.
• "And I'll provide you with this high-quality coffin for free," Maxwell reiterated firmly.
• "Understood. We will definitely apologize," Shaun vowed, his emotions on the verge of overwhelming him.
• "Just remember, don't mention that I compelled you to come," Maxwell cautioned, aware of the strained dynamics between him and Daphne. If she found out about his involvement, it might worsen their relationship further.
• "Got it."
• "My wife won't be off work for a while. Would it be acceptable for your family to rest in the coffin for a few hours?" Maxwell asked diplomatically.
• Shaun's lips twitched a little and revealed a sinister grin. He said, "Certainly, Sir. We don't mind at all."
• "Very well, then," Maxwell concluded. "I need to go now."
• As Maxwell exited, Shaun, nestled inside the coffin, sensed a shift in the temperature, which grew warmer despite Maxwell's departure.
• Even after Maxwell left, the armed soldiers still kept watch.
• The Bensons were too intimidated to take any action.
• Even if they were in dire need of using the restroom, they dared not make a move.
• ...
• In the office of the Lewis Group.
• "Daphne, isn't this a fortunate turn of events? Your marriage is advantageous for everyone involved."
• Hugo interrupted Daphne as she prepared to leave for the day.
• Daphne, a proficient businesswoman, could have easily assumed leadership of the company if not for the Maxwell incident.
• Her gaze remained steely, offering no response.
• "Hugo, there you are." A woman appeared in fashionable attire, sporting fishnet stockings, and entered the room in high heels.
• She was Mabel Lewis, Hugo's younger sister.
• "Daphne, are you planning to commute home on your electric bike again tonight?"
• Mabel feigned concern and suggested, "It's tiring to travel back and forth. The cafeteria offers reasonably priced meals. If you're short on cash, let me cover it."
• Before the Maxwell incident, Daphne held the position of the Lewis family's eldest daughter.
• She used to have many admirers among the local elite.
• However, her life took a downward spiral after she saved Maxwell.
• Daphne, once the pride of the Lewis family, became a figure of scorn and pity.
• Meanwhile, Mabel's social standing soared, particularly with her upcoming marriage to the Grants' heir. Eager to celebrate her upcoming wedding, she generously offered to treat everyone to a meal. Concerned about Daphne's potential refusal, she added, "You can't decline, or I'll mark your absence on the attendance sheet and deduct it from your salary."