Chapter 4 She Is My Wife

• “Looking out for my best interests? After Mom passed away, you were hardly ever home, always out chasing women. When you ran out of money, you'd come to me. Have you ever contributed anything to our family or the company?” Serena exploded.
• Harvey slammed his hand on the table. “Serena, he's your father. How can you speak so disrespectfully? We're having this meeting for your own good.”
• “For my own good? Selling the company Mom left me and using the money to live a life of pleasure, that's for my own good? You made me marry into the Zabel family, and now you want me to sell the company? Absolutely not!” Serena's stubbornness was heart-wrenching.
• Facing the accusations from everyone around her, Serena felt as if she was the target of many arrows. She appeared lonely and helpless.
• Serena's mother had fallen in love with Henry during her university years. After they married, Henry never held a steady job and didn't take on the responsibilities of a husband and father.
• Henry wore a dark expression. He was on the brink of losing his temper when suddenly he heard voices from outside.
• “Mr. Trey, there really are guests inside. How about I find you a better room instead?”
• “Hmph, I'd like to see who's so important that they can keep their private room even when I'm here.”
• As they were speaking, the door to the private room swung open. Three tall men, their chests and arms adorned with tattoos, stood at the entrance. Gold chains hung around their necks.
• “I'm sorry, Mr. Yates. I... I couldn't stop them...” the manager apologized, standing nervously to the side.
• Henry stared at the other party with a frown. “Who are you people? We've already booked this private room. Can't you find somewhere else?”
• The man with the eagle tattoo on his arm strode over and slapped Henry across the face. The sting was intense. “The Yates family from Junbert? I've never heard of them!”
• Several men at the table rose to their feet, glaring at the man who had thrown the punch.
• “Have you ever heard of Grace Cosmetics? The Zabel family from Jexburgh is our in-laws,” Henry said, covering his face. “Apologize to me right now.”
• “Oh, so you're from the household of the lady boss of Grace Cosmetics. I wouldn't dare offend the prestigious Zabel family you've mentioned. However, I heard the beauty of the Yates family married a discarded son of the Zabel family. What a pity,” Trey Tigris sneered, rubbing his neck.
• The young man with the fair complexion, known for his fiery temper, immediately stood up. “What did you say? Did you just disregard the Yates and Zabel families?”
• He was Zachary Yates, Harvey's son. He was used to throwing his weight around, relying on the Yates and Zabel families' reputation. He never tolerated disrespect.
• No sooner had he finished speaking than he was knocked to the ground, receiving a barrage of punches and kicks. The pain caused his body to curl up as he clutched his head and screamed in agony.
• “I'm one of Mr. Tristan's men. I can't afford to offend the Zabel family, but who do you people from the Yates family think you are?” Trey sneered.
• Henry and the others were momentarily stunned. Tristan Carter was the top figure in Junbert, wielding control over all of Xudbury. The Yates family couldn't even come close to matching his power.
• Everyone lowered their heads, daring not to speak further.
• If Benjamin were still recognized as the esteemed heir of the Zabel family, Tristan might have been cautious. But now, everyone knew Benjamin had been cast aside by the Zabel family in Jexburgh. Besides, they were in Junbert, far beyond the Zabel family's reach.
• “My apologies, Mr. Trey. I didn't realize who you were, and I've offended you. I'm sorry,” Henry said, a sycophantic smile spreading across his face.
• Seeing that, Serena bit her lower lip hard. She truly couldn't comprehend how her mother could have fallen for such a man.
• Trey smirked in triumph. “Well, at least you know your place.” Suddenly, his gaze shifted to Serena standing off to the side. His eyes widened as he stared intently at her.
• “You must be Ms. Yates from Grace Cosmetics. What a pleasure!” Trey extended his hand, hoping to shake hands with Serena.
• Serena snorted coldly, turning her head to the side.
• A look of surprise crossed Trey's face. He felt slighted. “Ms. Yates, how about sharing a couple of drinks with me? If I'm in a good mood, I might just let you all leave. What do you say?”
• “I don't want to drink,” Serena said, her face cold. “If you don't leave, I will—”
• “What will you do? Even when you're angry, you're still so stunning.” Trey reached out to grab Serena's arm.
• Suddenly, a hand shot out from the side, gripping Trey's wrist. “I'm sorry, but she's my wife. She won't be joining you for drinks.”
• “How dare you get in my way?” Trey looked daggers at Benjamin. He tried to exert his strength, but his arm felt trapped in an iron grip. No matter how hard he struggled, he couldn't pull it back.
• Serena's eyes widened in surprise as she saw Benjamin taking action. Everyone knew him as a weakling who spent his days drinking and chasing women. Yet here he was, standing up to Trey for her.
• Henry and the others were frightened. “Benjamin, what are you doing? Mr. Trey just invited Serena for a couple of drinks, that's all.”