Chapter 5 The Eightieth Birthday

• The following morning.
• Abigail got up very early.
• By the time Brayden was awake, she had already gotten breakfast ready.
• "I've made all the plans. The top surgeon in Baythorn will be ready to operate on Hope in a few days," Brayden said while grabbing a fried dough to eat.
• "Is that true?"
• Upon hearing Brayden's words, Abigail looked utterly disbelieving.
• Brayden said with a smile, "Absolutely. Why would I make something up?"
• Abigail paused before asking, "But the surgery costs a lot—100 thousand dollars. How will you manage to pay that?"
• Brayden remarked, "Don't worry, now that I'm back, I'll handle everything. Money isn't a problem for me."
• As the Wesnia's God Warrior, Brayden had a hidden treasury filled with countless wealth.
• A hundred thousand dollars was nothing in comparison.
• Hearing this, Abigail felt a wave of relief.
• "Brayden, did you hear the news? Oscar was arrested last night, and all his properties were confiscated. It's true that wrongdoers eventually get what's coming to them," Abigail remarked.
• Brayden merely smiled and remained silent.
• Oscar had done many wrong things and was now facing harsh legal consequences.
• "I promised I would safeguard you and our daughter. I won't allow anyone to mistreat you," Brayden said gently.
• Abigail was taken aback for a moment, then asked in disbelief, "Were you involved in Oscar's arrest?"
• Brayden nodded. "Yes ... "
• Before he could continue, Abigail cut him off, "Enough with the jokes, Brayden. Where have you been for the last five years?"
• She found it hard to believe that Brayden could bring down Oscar.
• Oscar was a prominent figure in Baythorn's underworld, while Brayden was merely a son-in-law. How could he have taken down someone like Oscar?
• Brayden thought about revealing his true identity to Abigail, but seeing her reaction, he realized she likely wouldn't believe him anyway.
• There would be time to explain later.
• "The day after our wedding, the country called for a conscription order. I went to join the army."
• "Oh ... "
• Abigail nodded, not pressing the matter any further.
• She figured that Abigail was just a soldier who had come back after his service.
• "Brayden, my grandpa called today. It's his 80th birthday tonight. Will you come with me?" Abigail asked, looking hopeful.
• Brayden agreed. "Certainly, it's been a while since I last saw your grandpa. I should go and visit him! I've planned a big surprise gift for him!"
• As he spoke, a cold smile formed at the corner of his lips.
• ...
• Baythorn Royal Hotel.
• The Marleys.
• The 80th birthday celebration for Grant Marley, the head of the Marleys.
• The hotel was alive with activity as numerous celebrities attended the event.
• Despite being a second-tier family, the Marleys still held some influence in Baythorn.
• "A gold phoenix pendant, wishing for respected Old Mr. Marley."
• "An emerald pendant, wishing for a good fortune and prosperity!"
• "A pair of gold bracelets, wishing for happiness!"
• "A pair of gold earrings, wishing for unwavering and pure love!"
• ...
• Watching the endless flow of birthday gifts, Grant's face beamed with happiness.
• "Thank you all for coming to my birthday celebration. May God bless my family and may all my descendants achieve greatness."
• The guests at the banquet were all prominent figures from Baythorn, and everyone was excitedly chatting about the day's major event.
• "Old Mr. Marley, did you hear? A top important person arrived at Baythorn today, protected by dozens of fighter jets, with 3000 soldiers stationed at the airport.
• "I heard the richest man in Baythorn tried to meet this person but was turned away."
• "That's trivial. The number one man in Baythorn stood outside the airport for three hours and didn't catch sight of this important person."
• Grant agreed. "I'm aware. I even sent an invite asking this important person to come to my birthday banquet."
• "That's out of the question. There's no way such an important guest would show up at your birthday banquet."
• On hearing this, everyone doubted.
• Grant was unsure as well. He was just testing the waters.
• At this point, Gavin Marley, the second son of the Marleys, rushed over.
• "Dad, I've just heard that the top important person has agreed to come to your birthday banquet tonight."
• "Really? It's like God is on our side!"
• Grant's face lit up with joy when he heard this.
• Chloe Pierce, Gavin's wife, suddenly remarked, "Dad, it's your 80th birthday, a huge occasion, and Abigail hasn't even come."
• Everyone went quiet upon hearing this.
• Everyone knew that Abigail was viewed as a disgrace to the Marleys.
• Grant said with a troubled expression, "On this happy occasion, let's not talk about Abigail, that shameful woman who damages our family's honor. She not only married an unworthy man but also had an illegitimate child, bringing total disgrace to our family!"
• Chloe commented with interest, "Speaking of which, Brayden is strange. He was lucky enough to marry into our family and wed the eldest daughter, the most beautiful woman in Baythorn, yet he left the very next day. It's quite unbelievable."
• Gavin scoffed, "What's so strange about that? Maybe he felt he didn't deserve to be part of our family and acted like a stray dog ... "
• "Hahaha!"
• When they heard this, all the guests laughed among themselves.
• To the upper-class elite, a man deemed worthless was simply a source of amusement after dinner.
• At that moment, Grant stood up and announced loudly, "Everyone, please settle down. I have an important announcement to make. Today, a very important person will be attending my birthday banquet!"
• Clap! Clap! Clap!
• His words were met with applause.
• At that very moment, a tall figure entered the main hall.
• A commanding presence made everyone feel as if their breath had been taken away.
• "It's Brayden!"
• Gavin and Chloe shouted at the same time.
• Immediately, everyone's attention was focused on Brayden.
• With Brayden were Abigail and Hope.
• "Brayden, why are you back here?"
• Seeing him, Grant's expression became very displeased.
• "I heard it's your 80th birthday today, so I brought my wife and daughter to celebrate with you and express our gratitude for the special care you've given them over the years," Brayden said, a cryptic smile on his face.
• "Bring in my birthday present!"
• As he spoke, several men in black suits wheeled in a large golden memorial plaque.
• A memorial plaque as a gift?
• In an instant, everyone's expressions shifted dramatically.