《Great Marshal: Marrying the Bridesmaid》


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1


    Oakheart International Airport, which had always been hustling and bustling, had no signs of tourists at


    all. The entire ce was so silent that one could hear a pin drop.


    Only thousands of men dressed in camouge uniforms were present with loaded weapons, waiting in


    anticipation.


    ¡°Zone one, clear!¡±


    ¡°Zone two, clear!¡±


    The colonel who carried two stripes and three stars on his shoulders, Lone Wolf, let out a long sigh of


    relief after hearing the report.


    ¡°The coast is clear. You may alight now, Great Marshal.¡±


    Zeke extinguished the cigar in his hand before he slowly walked out of the private jet.


    He was decked out in a fur coat that rustled in the cold wind. His expression was nd, but it instilled


    fear in others, nheless.


    He exuded an aura like that of a monarch overlooking the world, which made people hold their breaths.


    Thousands of soldiers shifted their gaze to him uniformly, their eyes brimming with admiration.


    He was a living legend and their faith.


    ¡°Wee back, Great Marshal!¡± Lone Wolf hurriedly greeted.


    Zeke nodded indifferently.


    ¡°Great Marshal,¡± Lone Wolf continued gingerly, ¡°Your family has sent some people to meet you. They


    are waiting in the lounge.¡±


    ¡°They seem desperate for you to return to the family.¡±


    Zeke stood rooted to the ground as he looked toward the lounge.


    There was indeed a row of people in suits, anxiously awaiting his return.


    As their eyes met, the people inside shuddered and couldn''t help but kneel on the ground with pleading


    eyes.


    It would be a major shock to anyone who saw this scene.


    Did the dignified and influential Williams family of Atheville just get down on their knees?


    Zeke snorted, his mind wandering.


    He, the original young master of the Williams family in Atheville, had been forced by the head of the


    Williams family to take his twin brother''s ce in jail fifteen years ago.


    No one had spoken up for him in the family, including his parents.


    He was released from prison five yearster.


    And in just a few years, he became a marshal with unparalleled power and the world''s number one


    God of War.


    In the past, when he had experienced the cruelty of life, the Williams family had shown him no concern


    at all.


    But now that he was rich and powerful, they finally remembered him.


    How ridiculous!


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    A sense of self-deprecation shed across Zeke''s face as he responded coldly, ¡°Tell them the moment


    the Williams family made me go to jail on behalf of my brother fifteen years ago, Zeke Williams died.


    The Zeke Williams right now has nothing to do with the Williams family of Atheville. Tell them not to


    disturb me again or they''ll see torrents of blood before their eyes! Take care of it, Lone Wolf. Don''t


    interfere with my wedding reception.¡±


    Lone Wolf nodded hastily. ¡°Yes, Sir!¡±


    Zeke walked up to the wedding car on the side.


    He stroked the jade pendant hanging on his chest. His anger then vanished, tamped down by an


    obvious act of will.


    He couldn''t help but think about the origin of that jade pendant.


    Ten years ago, when he had finished serving his time in prison, no one from the Williams family had


    They hadpletely forgotten about him.


    He was penniless and living on the streets. Starving and dying from the cold, he wanted to end his life


    there and then.


    But at that critical moment, a little girl passing by had given him a cotton-padded coat and a jade


    pendant.


    ¡°This cotton-padded coat will keep you warm from the cold, and this jade pendant will bring you good


    luck. As long as you''re alive, there is hope.¡±


    She had rekindled that spark of hope in Zeke who, in turn, affirmed his determination to make a name


    for himself.


    So, he had dusted himself down and embarked on the journey of bing a soldier.


    There were countless times when he was on the brink of death with no hope of survival whatsoever.


    Whenever he was in jeopardy, that beautiful and kind silhouette would sh across his mind.


    She was Zeke''s conviction to live and motivation to keep striving.


    After serving in the military for only five years, he had be the marshal of the armed forces.


    In the midst of a national crisis, Zeke had been entrusted with a mission to lead thousands of troops


    and make a clean sweep across the borders of nine countries. He also had to force them into signing


    the Nine Nations Treaty of Alliance.


    For five years, Zeke had not been allowed to make aeback. He was prohibited from using his


    wealth and power in exchange for fairpetition for Eurasia enterprises in those nine countries.


    Since then, the Great Marshal had disappeared.


    Only the ordinary man, Zeke Williams, returned to Oakheart City. Thereafter, he found the girl, Emily


    Clemons, who gave him the jade pendant back then and courted her madly.


    After five years of dedication, it finally came to fruition.


    Today was the day he was going to marry Emily.


    And the day when the Nine Nations Treaty of Alliance expired.


    For the first time in five years, he had left Oakheart City and headed to the United Nations to terminate


    the Nine Nations Treaty of Alliance yesterday; today was the day he rushed back to attend his


    wedding.


    After tonight, his power and wealth would be automatically reinstated.


    ¡°Great Marshal,¡± Lone Wolf called, handing him a list. ¡°Your Grand Comeback Ceremony is scheduled


    in three days. Here''s the invitation list. Please have a look.¡±


    Zeke nced at the list and said, ¡°Send three invitation cards to my fianc¨¦e, Emily. I want her to know


    that in three days, her husband will be the powerful Great Marshal who overturns the world. Not just


    some man on the street!¡±


    ...


    One hourter, the wedding hall was bustling with noise and excitement.


    The guests were discussing what had just happened.


    A moment ago, a team of fully armed troops had sent three invitation cards to the Clemons family.


    It was not an ordinary invitation card, but an invitation from the Great Marshal, the legendary God of


    War, to his Grand Comeback Ceremony.


    The entire world knew who the Great Marshal was. He was rich and powerful, the idol of many boys


    and girls.


    Those eligible to attend his Grand Comeback Ceremony were either the officialdom tycoons or the


    consortium tycoons.


    However, there was only one slot for ordinary people!


    And it went to the Clemons family!


    It was the ultimate honor one could ever receive!


    The Clemons family was destined to have their own Cindere story, going from rags to riches!


    The crowd was overwhelmed with envy and jealousy.


    Of course, they were even more envious of the bridegroom today, Zeke Williams.


    How lucky was he to be able to marry Emily at this time!


    In the boudoir, Emily''s mother, Madeleine Clemons, was weeping with joy as she held onto the three


    invitation cards.


    ¡°Our family has finally seeded, Emily. After we attend the ceremony in three days, our status in


    Oakheart City will definitely rise. By then, there will be countless rich and powerful people who will suck


    up to us. Our family will likely be part of the upper-ss society!¡±


    Emily was full of pride. ¡°Yeah, mom. This is really beyond my expectations.¡±


    ¡°Emily,¡± Madeleine suddenly said, her voice stern. ¡°Our family is about to climb the socialdders, and


    it''s a bit too easy for that poor boy, Zeke, to marry you with just a dowry of three hundred thousand,


    don''t you think? How about this? We''ll ask for another three hundred thousand, and if he can''t give us


    that, he doesn''t deserve to marry you!¡±


    Emily nodded. ¡°Whatever you say, Mom. I''ll listen to you.¡±


    In no time, Zeke arrived.


    With hope and fear written on his face, he walked into the boudoir with flowers in his hand.


    ¡°Emily, I''m here to marry you.¡±


    However, the atmosphere in the boudoir was rtively cold.


    Zeke felt a little embarrassed when Emily didn''t ept the flowers he had brought.


    ¡°Zeke,¡± Emily''s mother, Madeleine, started, ¡°If you want to marry my daughter today, you have to give


    us a dowry of another three hundred thousand.¡±


    Zeke frowned. ¡°Haven''t I already given you a dowry of three hundred thousand? Why do you want


    another three hundred thousand?¡±


    Truth be told, a few hundred thousand meant nothing to him.


    As long as Emily wanted it, he could grant her the greatest wealth she could ever imagine.


    However, his wealth wouldn''t be reinstated until after midnight. He really couldn''t get three hundred


    thousand at that moment.


    ¡°I''m sure you''ve heard that our family has received an invitation from the Great Marshal,¡± Madeleine


    began.


    ¡°Our family is about to climb up the socialdders and be a noble family. Wouldn''t it be disgraceful


    to my family if word gets out that you became my son-inw with just a dowry of three hundred


    thousand?¡±


    Zeke was speechless.


    You think I''m disgraceful just because you received an invitation from the Great Marshal?


    But I''m that Great Marshal!


    He looked at Emily. ¡°Emily, what''s your take on this?¡±


    ¡°I think my mom is right,¡± Emily replied.


    ¡°Once we attend the Grand Comeback Ceremony, there will definitely be a myriad of rich people


    proposing to me. Forget about three hundred thousand. I''m sure they can even afford three million.


    We''re already going easy on you by only asking for three hundred thousand.¡±


    Zeke sighed. ¡°How about this? Let''s just get married first and not keep the guests waiting. After that, I


    can give you thirty million, let alone three hundred thousand.¡±


    Emily rolled her eyes peevishly.


    ¡°Who are you trying to fool? Isn''t that just an empty promise? Get the money quickly and borrow it if


    you have no money. Otherwise, we aren¡¯t getting married today.¡±


    Zeke felt helpless. When he was about to tell them that he was the Great Marshal, the bridesmaid,


    Lacey Hinton, couldn''t stand it anymore.


    ¡°Emi, I think it''s best if you get married first. The guests are waiting outside. If you''re going to haggle


    over the betrothal gifts and make a scene now, Zeke will only be aughingstock. How can he


    raise his head in front of his rtives and friends in the future? They will make fun of him for a lifetime.¡±


    Zeke nced at Lacey gratefully.


    Although she was just a bridesmaid and only wearing light makeup, she was superior to Emily,


    regardless of her look and figure.


    Zeke was very fond of her because she had helped him pursue Emily before this.


    But unexpectedly, Emily had a fallout with Lacey.


    She was jealous of Lacey''s good looks and had been using her. Their friendship waspletely


    superficial.


    ¡°How could you stab me in the back, Lacey? Do you even treat me as a friend? It''s fine that you''re


    speaking up for Zeke, but you didn''t even get me any gifts on my wedding day. Oh yeah, I forgot. You


    gifted me a jade pendant ten years ago. A poor sister like you isn''t worthy of being my friend now. Take


    your stupid jade pendant and leave.¡±


    Emily removed the pendant and threw it to Lacey.


    Bang!


    Zeke stared at that jade pendant, his brain rumbling.


    What?


    Lacey is the owner of that jade pendant?


    It wasn''t Emily who had helped me back then, but Lacey?

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2


    I''ve fallen in love with the wrong woman for five years!


    And for the past five years, I''ve even witnessed Emily bully my lifesaver!


    God is ying games with me!


    When Zeke regained hisposure, Lacey was battered out of her senses and heading out the door.


    After being humiliated and chased out by Emily in public, her mood wasn''t any better than Zeke''s.


    ¡°Lacey, wait,¡± Zeke stopped her abruptly.


    ¡°Let her go, you asshole,¡± Emily exploded. ¡°If you dare stop her again, you get out too!¡±


    ¡°You''re asking me to get out?¡± Zeke sneered. ¡°Oh, you''ll regret this.¡±


    ¡°Regret? You will be the one who''ll regret it,¡± Emily retorted.


    ¡°Once I attend the Great Marshal''s Grand Comeback Ceremony, there will be countless rich men


    pursuing me. By then, you won¡¯t even be qualified to kneel and lick my boots!¡±


    She had thought Zeke would butter her up when she yed the Grand Comeback Ceremony invitation


    card.


    Little did she expect Zeke to get down on one knee and propose to Lacey, ¡°Lacey, will you marry me?¡±


    What?


    Everyone in the room was dumbfounded, their faces filled with disbelief.


    Zeke Williams has just discarded his bride on the day of their wedding and proposed to the bridesmaid


    instead!


    And it''s under the circumstance that the bride received an invitation card from the Great Marshal!


    It was preposterous!


    Lacey hesitated for a moment, thinking she had heard him wrong.


    ¡°Lacey,¡± Zeke said sincerely again. ¡°Marry me. I promise you with the dignity of a man that I will make


    you the happiest woman in the world, with a lifetime of glory and wealth.¡±


    Emily was about to go bonkers. ¡°Zeke, you ba****d! I may forgive you if you kneel before me and


    apologize now. Don''t forget, you''ve been in prison for five years. You should thank the gods that I''m


    willing to give you this chance.¡±


    ¡°Piss off!¡± Zeke roared.


    Those five years of captivity had scalded his heart. By bringing that up, Emily was obviously sprinkling


    salt on his wound with no qualms about hurting his pride.


    ¡°F**k!¡± Emily gritted her teeth. ¡°We''re over! Just you wait after I attend the Grand Comeback


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    Ceremony!¡±


    In her heart, Zeke was just a simp who was only worthy of submitting himself to her.


    Who was he to scold her?


    Lacey''s eyelids hooded, looking thoughtful.


    She thought of her marriage contract and her perverted fianc¨¦.


    A momentter, she looked up and took the flowers from Zeke¡¯s hand.


    In a firm tone, she replied, ¡°I do!¡±


    Zeke heaved a sigh of relief, while the Clemons family blew up in a fit of anger.


    ¡°You b***h! You shameless whore! I''ll kill you¡ª¡±


    p! A p sounded.


    It was Zeke who had pped Emily.


    Lacey''s heart was racing.


    She was well aware of how well Zeke had treated Emily in the past.


    And to see him pping Emily because of her...


    Suddenly, another idea came into Lacey¡¯s mind.


    Emily crumpled to the floor in a dead faint.


    This simp just hit me for another woman! Who is he to p me?


    ¡°From now on, Lacey is my wife,¡± Zeke announced. ¡°If anyone bullies her, I''ll kill their entire family! And


    if that''s not enough, I''ll dig out their ancestral graves!¡±


    After silently enduring the pain for five years, the God of War finally broke out.


    His tone was murderous, keeping the Clemons family on their toes as they held their breaths.


    Emily suddenly had an illusion.


    This man was not the same man she had known for five years!


    ¡°Let''s go, Lacey.¡± Zeke gently took her hand.


    ¡°Lacey Hinton,¡± Emily growled through clenched teeth. ¡°I dare you to walk out this door! Don''t forget,


    you''re just a parasite who lives off my family. Believe it or not, I can make your family go bankrupt right


    now.¡±


    In a quandary, Lacey stopped in her tracks.


    She knew Emily had the power to do so.


    Especially now that she had received the invitation card from the Great Marshal.


    ¡°Lacey, let''s go,¡± Zeke consoled her. ¡°Even if the sky falls, I will hold it for you.¡±


    Lacey''s heart pounded wildly as they exited the boudoir.


    Emily let out a heartrending roar, ¡°A whore and a simp! What a perfect match! I''ll make you both kneel


    before me and beg me like a dog soon.¡±


    Outside, the guests were looking forward to the appearance of the newlyweds.


    However, as the door opened, it wasn''t the bride and bridegroom who walked out, but the bridegroom


    and bridesmaid.


    Everyone present was dumbfounded, their eyes and mouth agape with incredulity.


    A plot that was usually seen on TV was happening in reality.


    The mass couldn''t ept it for a moment.


    Coincidentally, there were also several media reporters at the wedding hall.


    Thereupon, this breaking news took over the entire Oakheart City in just a few hours.


    The wedding soon became the talk of the city.


    The bridegroom had discarded the bride on the wedding day and married the bridesmaid instead, even


    when the bride had received an invitation from the Great Marshal himself.


    The bridegroom had made the stupidest move in the world!


    Zeke drove away with Lacey.


    Halfway down the road, Lacey suddenly said, ¡°Stop, let me get down.¡±


    Zeke''s forehead puckered. ¡°What''s wrong?¡±


    ¡°It''s just an act to save your pride that you proposed to me, no?¡± Lacey replied. ¡°Now that the show is


    over, I should go home.¡±


    ¡°Lacey, I¡¯m sincerely asking you to marry me,¡± Zeke said earnestly. ¡°You think I''m the kind of person


    who fools around with feelings just because of piteous pride?¡±


    Lacey kept silent.


    She understood Zeke well and knew that he most likely wasn''t acting.


    ¡°Won''t you regret this?¡± Lacey''s eyebrows drooped. ¡°Emily''s got the Great Marshal''s invitation, and her


    family is about toe to the fore. This is your chance to climb up the socialdder.¡±


    ¡°It''s just a matter of my words to get the invitation card,¡± Zekeughed. ¡°Since they are so proud of it, I''ll


    make them servants at the Grand Ceremony.¡±


    Lacey sighed. ¡°This isn¡¯t the time for you to brag.¡±


    ¡°I''m serious. Do you want to attend the Grand Comeback Ceremony? I can bring you there,¡± Zeke said.


    Lacey didn''t want to hear his nonsense anymore, so she changed the topic. ¡°Also, I''m engaged to


    Jackson of the Hamilton family...¡±


    ¡°Everyone in Oakheart City knows that Jackson is a drug addict and a perv. The number of girls he has


    messed with can''t be counted on one hand,¡± Zeke said.


    ¡°I know you don''t want to marry him. You had no choice but to agree to this marriage because of your


    family. Just say the word and I''ll save you from the fire pit.¡±


    Lacey smiled bitterly. ¡°The Hamilton family has an extensive business empire. Aren''t you worried


    Jackson will take vengeance on you?¡±


    Zeke suddenlyughed. ¡°I was ready to fight against the world from the moment you said, ''I do.''¡±


    Lacey''s head jerked up, looking absentminded.


    The man had made her heart flutter once again.


    She had purely wanted to use Zeke as a shield originally, but now, her principles were a little shaken.


    The Hamilton family ruled both sides of thew. An ordinary man like Zeke was no rival to them, be it in


    terms of power or wealth.


    How can he fight against them?


    Could a fleeting moment of passion withstand the cruelty of reality?


    The Hamilton family might eventually destroy him.


    ¡°Let''s go home first.¡± Lacey looked mncholy. ¡°We''ll talk about itter when you get past my parents.¡±


    For a while, she felt rather flustered.


    ...


    Lacey''s home was very crowded that day.


    Early next month, she would marry into a rich family, the Hamilton family. Her uncles, Jeremy Hinton


    and Scott Hinton hade to her home to congratte her and present her with gift money.


    ¡°Daniel, the Hinton family is really blessed to have Lacey marrying into the Hamilton family. The


    Hamilton family is one of the four major families in Oakheart City. Whatever leaks out of their fingers is


    enough to feed and clothe the entire Hinton family. Who knows if the Hinton family can take this


    opportunity to be a second-tier family.¡±


    Lacey''s parents, Daniel Hinton and Hannah Lawson sat in the host''s seats, their faces glowing.


    The tteries of the crowd made the old couple feel proud.


    ¡°It looks like you two don¡¯t know that the Hamilton family has actually gotten an invitation from the


    Great Marshal,¡± Daniel said. ¡°By then, the Hamilton family''s strength will surely rise. It will be highly


    possible for them to be a first-tier family, let alone a second-tier family!¡±


    What? An invitation card from the Great Marshal?


    Sounds of exmation filled the room, the atmosphere reaching a climax.


    ¡°Daniel,¡± Jeremy said. ¡°I heard you recently ran for the position of Head of Department at the hospital.


    How''s it going now?¡±


    ¡°Based on my qualifications, it''s basically hopeless for me to run for the position of Head of


    Department,¡± Daniel replied. ¡°But my son-inw, Jackson, said he''ll help me. This position will be an


    irond guarantee once the Hamilton family intercedes.¡±


    His words were full of admiration and satisfaction for his future son-inw, Jackson Hamilton.


    And the crowd followed, praising the said man.


    ¡°Shit, Lacey''s in trouble!¡± Scott suddenly jumped to his feet, eximing with his phone in his hand.


    Daniel''s heart twitched violently. ¡°What is it? Show me quickly.¡±


    He snatched the phone over to see a piece of breaking news disyed on the screen.


    On the day of the wedding, Zeke Williams discarded his bride and proposed to the bridesmaid, Lacey


    Hinton instead...


    At once, Daniel had a heart attack and spat out a mouthful of blood, copsing on the sofa.


    ¡°That rascal... Damn... Damn it!¡±


    The Hinton family panicked. ¡°Quick, send him to the hospital. He''s having a heart attack.¡±

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3


    Before Lacey and Zeke arrived home, Lacey received a call from her mother, Hannah.


    ¡°Lacey, are you trying to piss us off? Look what you''ve done today! You''ve brought so much disgrace


    upon our family. Your dad had a heart attack, and he''s at Hearnd Hospital now. Hurry over.¡±


    Smack!


    Thunderstruck, Lacey dropped her phone to the ground, her face paling.


    She didn''t think the incident today would be such a big blow to her father.


    ¡°Quick, to the hospital!¡± Lacey screamed her lungs out. ¡°My dad had a heart attack.¡±


    ¡°Hmm? Okay.¡± Zeke made a sharp U-turn and drove toward the hospital.


    Along the way, he made a call to Lone Wolf, who had picked him up at the airport previously. ¡°Send me


    the Ammo Needle.¡±


    Zeke was ready to save his future father-inw and leave a good impression.


    Besides Great Marshal, he had another identity¡ªNeedle God!


    He had created the Ammo Needle that had saved many lives, from generals to civilians.


    A puny heart attack was a piece of cake to him.


    On the other end of the line, Lone Wolf''s eyes zed. ¡°After five years, the Needle God is finally


    making his move again! I wonder who''s the man worthy of the Great Marshal to personally take action.¡±


    ¡°Don''t be such a snoop,¡± Zeke continued. ¡°Also, for the Grand Comeback Ceremony three dayster,


    arrange for the Clemons family to be servants.¡±


    ¡°Roger that,¡± Lone Wolf replied.


    After hanging up the phone, Zeke realized Lacey was looking at him strangely.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Lacey asked.


    ¡°I''ll save your father myself,¡± Zeke replied. ¡°I''ve also arranged for Emily''s family to be servants at the


    Grand Ceremony.¡±


    Laceyid dispiritedly against the passenger seat, sighing in disappointment.


    Why didn''t I find this man so boastful before?


    Is the Great Marshal''s Grand Ceremony something he can meddle with?


    How ridiculous.


    Not long after, both of them arrived at the hospital.


    The scene at the hospital made Lacey feel as if a knife was stabbing her heart.


    Her mother, Hannah, was kneeling to Emily, begging her for forgiveness while Jeremy and Scott''s


    families stood by the side, saying nothing.


    Emily looked proud and aloof, acting indifferent to Hannah''s pleading.


    Zeke frowned. ¡°Why¡¯s Emily here?¡±


    Lacey got out of the car and darted toward Hannah. ¡°Mom, get up. Why are you on your knees?¡±


    Hannah wiped her tears and said, ¡°You came just in time, Lacey. Quick, beg Emily to save your dad.


    He¡¯s in the emergency room, but Emily''s mother is the attending physician and refuses to save him.¡±


    Both Madeleine and Daniel worked in that particr hospital. They appeared united outwardly but were


    divided at heart as they had recently beenpeting for the position of the Head of Department with


    each other.


    Coupled with what had happened at the wedding today, the two families were practically archenemies.


    It would be strange if Madeleine was willing to save Daniel after what had transpired.


    Now that it was toote to transfer to another hospital, Hannah could only beg Emily on her knees.


    Lacey''s head throbbed.


    She didn''t have time to think too much now. The most pressing matter of the moment was to save her


    father.


    She had no choice but to let go of her dignity and plead, ¡°Emily, my dad is critically ill. Please do me a


    favor and let your mom save my dad.¡±


    Emily sneered. ¡°Isn''t it a little toote to beg me now? Didn''t you bring your husband with you? Ask


    Zeke to help you then. What are you begging me for?¡±


    Only then did Hannah realize that the person who hade with Lacey was Zeke.


    A fresh swell of rage rose in her at once.


    ¡°Lacey, are... are you trying to drive me crazy? Why did you bring this piece of trash with you? You''re


    blind to take a fancy to him... Don''t you know he isn¡¯t only a good-for-nothing who lives off a woman but


    also someone who has served five years in prison?¡±


    ¡°I''m warning you, Williams. Don''t think you can step into my house. My house has no room for a piece


    of trash like you.¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry, Emily. I''ll be sure to teach Lacey a lesson when we go back. It''s all Lacey''s fault today.¡±


    Emily felt much better upon hearing those words. ¡°Okay. If you want my mom to save him, Zeke has to


    give us three hundred thousand for the medical bills. Only Zeke can pay for it.¡±


    The Hinton family was in a dilemma.


    It was because Zeke couldn''t fork out three hundred thousand that the marriage engagement had been


    annulled.


    Emily was deliberately picking holes by insisting Zeke to pay the medical bills.


    Zeke sighed. He didn''t expect Emily to be so crude and mean.


    Just how did I spend five years with her?


    ¡°Haha. I believed we could end this happily, but now it seems that you''re determined to dig your own


    grave. If that''s what you want, I can only fulfill your wish.¡±


    ¡°Hmph! Don''t change the topic by spouting nonsense,¡± Emily sniggered.


    ¡°Why? You can''t get the money? Okay, I''ll give you another chance. Kneel and apologize to me, both


    you and Lacey. Then admit that you''re a simp who isn''t worthy of me, and that Lacey is just a loose


    woman who picks up my scrap!¡± Emily continued.


    Lacey''s eyes were red as her heart trembled.


    This demand is too much!


    However, at the thought of her father not making it...


    She had no choice but topromise to the cruel reality as she bent her legs, about to get on her


    knees.


    But Zeke quickly stopped her.


    ¡°Lacey, don''t beg her. I''ll treat your father''s illness.¡±


    Emily cackled arrogantly, ¡°Lacey Hinton, I bet you didn''t know his true colors. Forget that he''s poor and


    can''t afford the medical bills. For your father''s life, he refuses to suffer any injustice. All he does is talk


    big! He''s my jilted lover, and you''re only worthy of picking up what I''ve jilted.¡±


    Her every word pierced Lacey''s heart, which was long riddled in holes, like a knife on a chopping


    board.


    p!


    Abruptly, Zeke hit Emily in the face, sending her to the ground and knocking off one of her teeth.


    ¡°As I said, Lacey is my wife. No one can insult her. Since you didn''t remember it thest time, let me


    remind you again!¡±


    Zeke''s tone was forceful and lofty.


    Thereafter, there was silence, dead silence.


    The Hinton family was about to explode with rage.


    Son of a b*tch. How could you hit her when we''re still begging for help?


    She''s not going to help us at this rate.


    Lacey stumbled backwards, moving away from Zeke.


    Is he a devil?


    He''s going to get my dad killed!


    She was disappointed, regretting her previous choice.


    ¡°Why... Why did you do that?¡± Lacey''s voice quavered.


    ¡°Not even the gods can insult my wife,¡± Zeke said solemnly.


    Lacey wanted to scold him but held back her words because of that statement.


    Her mood right now was beyond words.


    After a long time, Emily came back to her senses.


    Her smile was terrifyingly hideous.


    ¡°Haha, nice one, Williams. The Hinton family has found themselves a wonderful son-inw. Remember,


    it wasn''t our family who killed Daniel, but Zeke.¡±


    She walked into the office and mmed the door.


    Hannah copsed to the ground with a loud thud, her face as white as a sheet.


    ¡°You... You get away... Get lost!¡±


    At this moment, Zeke''s phone rang.


    He fished for his phone and turned away after taking a nce at the screen.


    Of course, he didn''t leave. He headed to the emergency room instead.


    It was Lone Wolf who had sent a message just now that he has delivered the Ammo Needle to the door


    of the emergency room.


    Looking at Zeke''s retreating figure, Lacey was devastated.


    There was no grief greater than when the heart died, and that was exactly her feelings for the man right


    now.


    After Zeke took the silver needle, he went to the emergency room to treat Daniel, who had gone into


    shock.


    ¡°Many notable families are willing to give up their family property to ask the Great Marshal for help, but


    he will always ignore them,¡± Lone Wolf mumbled to himself.


    ¡°But today, he made an exception for ordinary people! What is love? Why do people live for it? And die


    for it?¡±


    On the side, Hannah was leaning against the wall, looking lonely and despondent.


    ¡°It''s over. It''s all over. Zeke Williams has ruined our family.¡±


    ¡°Lacey, Jackson is a hundred times¡­ No, a thousand times better than Zeke. Why did you insist on


    choosing Zeke?¡±


    Jeremy and Scott''s families started hurling criticisms at Lacey, condemning Zeke.


    They were also infuriated about this.


    Of course, they weren''t angry that Zeke might kill Daniel, but rather about the fact that Lacey didn''t


    choose the Hamilton family.


    How are we supposed to steal the Hamilton family''s glory if she doesn''t marry Jackson?


    Jeremy had a lightbulb moment. ¡°Hey, stop crying. I''ve got an idea.¡±


    ¡°Lacey, call Jackson right now. Apologize to him and beg for his forgiveness, then ask him to help us.¡±


    ¡°The Hamilton family has an extensivework of connections. They even obtained the invitation card


    from the Great Marshal through connections. So, they must know the leaders of the hospital!¡±


    Scott chimed in, ¡°Jackson has said before that he can make your dad the Head of Department through


    his connections, so he definitely knows the leaders of the hospital.¡±


    Hannah''s eyes lit up. ¡°Sweetie, give Jackson a call, quick.¡±


    Lacey instinctively wanted to refuse.


    She couldn''t imagine her life after marrying Jackson.


    However, when she saw her mother''s lonely and desperate eyes and thought about her father''s current


    situation, she gritted her teeth and made the call.


    She decided to sacrifice herself to save her father.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    The call connected.


    ¡°Hello, Jackson? I have a favor to ask.¡± Lacey''s voice was a little choked.


    On the other end of the line, Jackson was surprised.


    Lacey would usually give him the cold shoulders, but why did she look for him first today?


    Why¡¯s she asking me for a favor all of a sudden?


    ¡°What favor?¡± Jackson asked.


    ¡°Do you know the leaders of Hearnd Hospital? My dad had a heart attack and needs a cardiologist to


    rescue him...¡±


    Jackson was rejoicing inwardly.


    It was the perfect chance for him to possess Lacey, and the thought of her perfectly sculpted body


    made him thirsty.


    ¡°I know the director of Hearnd Hospital. He happens to be a cardiologist,¡± he said.


    ¡°Really?¡± Lacey was delighted. ¡°Please save my father!¡±


    ¡°I can save him, but¡­¡± Jackson paused. ¡°You must promise me something.¡±

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4


    ¡°What is it?¡± Lacey asked cautiously.


    ¡°Come to my ce tonight.¡± Jackson put on a nasty grin. ¡°Let''s put on a little show.¡±


    Lacey felt disgusted by his words.


    But at the thought that her father might...


    It seemed she had no other options.


    Biting her lips, she resigned to him in the end. ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Haha, see you tonight!¡± Jackson said gleefully.


    Tonight, your long hair will be the reins to my horse. It''s going to be good!


    After hanging up Lacey''s call, he immediately called the director.


    However, no one answered.


    He simply tossed his phone aside and stopped trying.


    ¡°Baby, I''ming,¡± he started, throwing himself on a woman on the bed.


    ¡°Time is precious. Hinton''s life is not worth my time. I''ll just say that the director was on a business trip


    Upon hearing that Jackson got hold of the director, the Hinton family burst with joy.


    ¡°As expected from the child of a prominent family. He has a wide range of contacts. That trash,


    Williams, only knows how to mess things up. You must take good care of Jackson during this time,


    Lacey. After all, whether your father can be the Head of Department depends on him.¡±


    ¡°Who knows? If he''s happy, he might even take you to the Great Marshal''s Grand Comeback


    Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Ceremony.¡±


    Lacey''s eyes were slightly red as she remained silent.


    She had clearly heard a woman''s voice on the phone just now.


    ¡°Zeke, I''m sorry...¡± Lacey sighed. ¡°I guess this is life.¡±


    Little did she know that the Zeke she had given up on was saving her father in the emergency room at


    that moment.


    Zeke looked solemn as his hands adeptly maneuvered the silver needles, puncturing each of Daniel''s


    acupoints with unerring precision.


    Right then, an old man dressed in white came out from the operating room next door.


    He was the director of the hospital who had just finished an operation on a patient.


    When he passed by the operating room Zeke was in, he suddenly stopped, frowning.


    ¡°Damn it. He isn¡¯t our doctor. How did hee in?¡±


    He subconsciously wanted to walk up and chase him away.


    But when he saw Zeke''s maniption of the silver needle technique, his eyes suddenly brightened.


    ¡°Could... Could this be the Ammo Needle technique? The finest acupuncture technique created by the


    Great Marshal? God, I didn''t expect to see the Ammo Needle technique being performed in my


    lifetime!¡±


    He stood frozen at the doors, his eyes zing with admiration as he watched the former''s skills.


    Not only was the Ammo Needle technique effective, but it was also very spectacr.


    Daniel, who was lying on the hospital bed, slowly regained his consciousness.


    Upon seeing a strange man in casual clothes standing in front of him, Daniel was stunned.


    He didn''t recognize Zeke and didn''t know that he was the ''future son-inw'' who had caused his heart


    attack.


    ¡°Who... Who are you?¡±


    ¡°Don''t move,¡± Zeke said in a deep voice. ¡°I''m giving you acupuncture.¡±


    ¡°Acupuncture?¡± Daniel froze for a moment, then looked down as Zeke performed acupuncture on him.


    A momentter, he trembled with excitement.


    ¡°Ammo Needle... The legendary Ammo Needle! Oh, my God! I can''t believe I''m seeing this with my


    own eyes, and it''s being performed on me! God, it''s my honor!¡±


    Soon, Zeke finished with the acupuncture.


    ¡°Man, I''m really impressed,¡± the director said, running up to him. ¡°I can''t believe you know how to


    perform the Ammo Needle technique! You have my deepest respect.¡±


    Daniel hurriedly got off the hospital bed.


    He feltfortable and a little stronger than before.


    ¡°You''re amazing, my friend. Could you please teach me one thing or two? I''d like to learn from you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes,¡± The director also responded. ¡°Please teach us.¡±


    ¡°Please ept my respect, master.¡±


    Zeke was putting away the silver needles carefully as he said, ¡°I don''t ept apprentices.¡±


    It''s not that I don''t ept apprentices. It''s just that you''re my future father-inw.


    It''s nonsensical for you to call me master if I''m going to call you dad.


    Zeke turned around and left.


    ¡°Master.¡± Daniel and the director followed closely behind. ¡°Please ept us as your apprentices.¡±


    At the door of the emergency room, the Hinton family was burning with anxiety. The director of the


    hospital had yet to arrive.


    They began to wonder if Jackson had stood them up.


    Lacey reached for her phone and was about to remind Jackson when Jeremy suddenly shouted, ¡°Look,


    he''s out.¡±


    Everyone shifted their gaze to the door of the emergency room and saw three men walking out.


    The one leading the group was Zeke, with Daniel and the director following behind.


    ¡°That trash is still here?¡± Hannah squawked. ¡°Damn it! He didn''t go into the operating room to mess


    anything up, did he? That ipetent bungler!¡±


    ¡°Why do you care so much about that trash?¡± Jeremy guffawed.


    ¡°The point is that Daniel has recovered. Look, he seems fine. And look who''s beside him; it''s the


    director of the hospital.¡±


    Hannah cried tears of joy. ¡°It must be Jackie. He has long invited the director to rescue Daniel. We


    were wrong to me Jackson. My son-inw is reliable.¡±


    The entire family went up, surrounding Daniel and the director while ignoring Zeke.


    Lacey looked at Zeke with aplicated expression in her eyes before she sighed and walked up to


    thank the director.


    ¡°You''re surely gifted with a magic hand, director. Thank you for saving his life.¡±


    ¡°Director, to express my gratitude, please allow me to buy you a meal.¡±


    The director lookedpletely nonplussed. ¡°I''m sorry, but I''m not the one who saved Daniel. It''s all


    thanks to my master. I didn''t take part in any of this.¡±


    The Hinton family was bewildered.


    The director has a master? Where is he?


    ¡°That''s right. My master saved me,¡± Daniel echoed.


    ¡°Come, let me introduce you. This is the master who the director and I just met.¡±


    Daniel walked toward Zeke, bowing. ¡°Master, no words can express my gratitude for you.¡±


    What the f**k?


    The Hinton family red so hard at Zeke that their eyeballs almost popped out.


    Zeke Williams, lifesaver, master...


    How do all these connect?

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5


    Daniel was startled, not understanding why the Hinton family had overreacted.


    ¡°You passed out, Daniel. You don''t even know what''s going on. You must be mistaken,¡± Hannah


    started. He''s just a useless, poor ba****d. How could he have saved your life? Don''t be humble,


    director. We all know the truth. It was Jackson who asked you for this favor to save Daniel, isn''t it?¡±


    The director frowned. ¡°As I said, I did nothing. It was all my master''s doing. Besides, who''s Jackson?


    He didn''t call me either. Oh, right, my phone rang twice just now, but the line cut off before I could


    answer. I''m not sure if it was him.¡±


    Suddenly realizing something, Lacey hurriedly called Jackson and turned on the speakerphone.


    ¡°Jackson, did you manage to get in touch with the director?¡±


    ¡°I did,¡± Jackson replied. ¡°But he''s on a business trip and won''t be able to make it back in time. I''ll


    contact another doctor for you¡ª¡±


    ¡°You liar!¡± Lacey yelled. ¡°You''re a big fat liar! The director is standing right in front of me now!¡±


    Jackson felt a little embarrassed. ¡°Is it? Maybe I didn''tmunicate well with him.¡±


    ¡°Piss off!¡± Lacey shouted. ¡°You can''t fool me! You scum! Don''t bother contacting me in the future.¡±


    ¡°F**k you!¡± Jackson''s fury sprang to life. ¡°How dare you scold me?!¡±


    ¡°I''m warning you; we''re getting married on the first next month no matter what. If you have the guts to


    walk away, I''ll destroy the Hinton family. Also, stay away from that uncivilized man who you met today,


    or I''ll send someone to kill him.¡±


    Beep!


    Lacey hung up.


    There was a dead silence after that.


    The dust had now settled that Jackson, whom they ced their hopes on, didn''t take Daniel''s life into


    his heart.


    But it was Zeke, whom they spurn and reviled, who had turned the tide.


    The Hinton family were overwhelmed with mixed emotions.


    ¡°Master, I bet you''re hungry¡ª¡± Daniel had yet to figure out that the young man before him was Zeke


    Williams.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Hannah shouted. ¡°He has no right to be your master.¡±


    ¡°You''re just a woman. What do you know?¡± Daniel chided. ¡°I would have died today if it wasn''t for him.¡±


    ¡°Open your damned eyes, you fool. He''s Zeke Williams. The one who caused your heart disease to


    rpse.¡±


    Daniel was astonished. He looked like he was about to have another heart attack again.


    Master is actually the despicable ''future son-inw''? Why is this melodrama happening to me?


    The atmosphere turned awkward.


    Even the director felt embarrassed for Daniel. ¡°Uh... Haha, what a surprise. I didn''t know Master is your


    son-inw. You must have secretly learned medicine skills from him. I think you deserve to be the Head


    of Department with your capabilities. Get ready to step in.¡±


    At that, the director turned around and walked away, not nning to meddle in their family affairs.


    Daniel was wild with joy.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    He didn''t expect to be appointed Head of Department so easily.


    But at the thought that he got this position because of Zeke, he couldn''t exactly celebrate his victory in


    triumph.


    After all, Jackson was the ideal son-inw in his heart.


    Emily and Madeleine were walking toward them from afar.


    ¡°Now that Hinton is at a critical stage, I don''t believe the Hinton family will not concede,¡± Madeleine


    said.


    ¡°Hmph! I want the Hinton family to get on their knees and beg me like a dog,¡± Emily stated. Especially


    Zeke Williams, I want to rip his face apart.¡±


    Her face was still aching from that p just now.


    But when they approached the Hinton family, they were instantly stunned.


    Daniel had actually recovered, and his face was ruddy, not like he had juste back from thend of


    the dead.


    ¡°What... What just happened?¡± The pair of mother and daughter felt extremely lost as their n for


    revenge went down the drain.


    They sighed, readying themselves to leave.


    ¡°Stand there,¡± Zeke said coldly. ¡°Who gave you permission to leave?¡±


    Emily shot daggers at him. ¡°Shut up. You don''t get to talk here.¡±


    ¡°Oh really?¡± Zeke sneered. ¡°Then I supposed the new head, Dr. Hinton, has the right to speak.¡±


    ¡°Dr. Hinton, your subordinate is really unprofessional to refuse saving life because of a personal


    grudge. They even asked for a medical fee of three hundred thousand in public. What are you doing


    with such a subordinate? To harm society?¡±


    Daniel was momentarily confused.


    He didn''t know what the pair of mother and daughter had previously done.


    Hannah was the first to react. This is a good time for us to take revenge!


    ¡°Daniel,¡± she shouted. ¡°Fire her now! I knelt and bowed to her before this, but she refused to save you.


    She even asked us for three hundred thousand. I''m so pissed!¡±


    Daniel''s anger red up. ¡°What?! Get the hell out of this hospital, Madeleine. You don''t deserve to be a


    doctor.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I think you have not only a heart disease but also a brain disease,¡± Madeleine said


    contemptuously.


    ¡°Everyone knows that I have the best hope of bing the Head of Department. As for you, don''t


    even think about it. You want to fire me? In your dreams! Just you wait. When I be the Head,


    you''ll be the first¡ª¡±


    Before she could finish, her phone and Daniel''s phone rang at the same time.


    Madeleine instinctively took out her phone and nced at it. Her face paled while her hands and feet


    shivered.


    The director had personally sent a notice in their group chat. Daniel Hinton holds the position of Head


    of Department.


    ¡°No way. How is this possible?!¡± Madeleine roared hysterically. ¡°I clearly deserve to be Head of


    Department! Hinton, you must have bribed the director! Did you? You scumbag! Just you wait. Your


    reputation will soon fall apart.¡±


    ¡°Oh please,¡± Daniel snorted. ¡°I disdain to do that kind of thing. On the contrary, some people were


    dishonest. I bet you bribed the leaders, didn¡¯t you!¡±


    ¡°Bullshit!¡± Madeleine retorted. ¡°If you didn''t bribe the director, why would he appoint you as the Head?¡±


    ¡°Well, all thanks to you,¡± Hannah chimed in before Daniel could speak.


    ¡°Thank you for giving Zeke away. His outstanding medical skills saved Daniel. He¡¯s even epted the


    director as his apprentice, let alone the Head of Department. If Daniel wants to be the assistant


    director, the director has to grant him that position out of respect for Zeke. Who said my daughter


    picked up a jilted trash? My daughter has found a treasure! It''s a pity someone didn''t recognize this


    treasure!¡±


    W-What?!


    Emily and Madeleine looked at Zeke.


    This trash who can''t even fork out three hundred thousand has epted the director as his


    apprentice?


    Why didn''t I realize his capability before?


    Hold up. If I didn''t ask for another three hundred thousand at the wedding, the Head of Department


    position would have been mine!


    Did I give away this opportunity myself?


    Madeleine instantly regretted her actions.


    She shouldn''t have asked for another dowry of three hundred thousand. What she had lost now was a


    far cry from three hundred thousand.


    Emily, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up.

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6


    ¡°Zeke Williams, I''m giving you a chance to get back together with me. Fire Daniel and make my mom


    Head of Department. This is yourst chance. Think carefully before you answer.¡±


    Emily was full of confidence, her toneced with arrogance.


    She firmly believed Zeke would roll back to her like the simp he was if she relented.


    After all, she would have a bright future now that she had the Great Marshal''s invitation card in her


    hands. Zeke would be riding on her coattails if he got back together with her.


    The Hinton family tensed up.


    If Zeke could make Daniel Head of Department, he could naturally fire him as well.


    Zeke couldn''t helpughing, wondering who gave Emily the courage to say such words.


    Why is she so convinced I will beg to get back together with her?


    Gosh, it''s my fault for spoiling her.


    ¡°That moment you left Daniel in the lurch and forced Lacey and me to kneel before you, our five-year


    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    rtionship was over. Get lost now! Don''t make a fool of yourself here!¡±


    Emily flew into a howling rage.


    ¡°Zeke Williams, you heartless and ungrateful piece of shit! Just you wait. I''ll make you beg me. Lacey


    Hinton, don''t forget that I''m the only one now who can keep your business going. I can make you go


    bankrupt in minutes!¡±


    ¡°Also, once we attend the Great Marshal''s Grand Comeback Ceremony three dayster, I''ll wipe you


    and the Hinton family off the face of the earth,¡± Emily added.


    Hannah was appalled. ¡°You got an invitation from the Great Marshal?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Emily sniggered.


    Everyone was shocked.


    ¡°Emily,¡± Hannah sounded gentle. ¡°This is all Zeke''s fault. Get even with him if you want. Don''t implicate


    the Hinton family...¡±


    ¡°Haha. It''s toote to beg me now. Just get lost and anticipate your demise.¡±


    At that, she walked off with Madeleine, leaving Hannah feeling dejected.


    ¡°Rx,¡± Zekeforted. ¡°The Clemons family is just going to serve as servants at the Grand


    Ceremony. If you guys want to go, I can take you in and make you guys the VIPs.¡±


    ¡°Scram!¡± Hannah exploded. ¡°You really think you''re a god or something? Are you trying to ruin my


    family? If you really want to be good to Lacey, stay away from her. You heard what Emily said just now.


    The Hamilton family and Emily want Lacey to go bankrupt because of you. Both their families got an


    invitation from the Great Marshal. Their status is very dignified, and it''s only a matter of time before


    they destroy the Hinton family!¡±


    Daniel uttered not a word.


    Although he admired Zeke''s medical skills, he couldn''t watch the Hinton family be exterminated.


    ¡°The moment Lacey agreed to marry me,¡± Zeke said solemnly, ¡°I had already decided to take on


    everything for her. I don''t care about the Hamilton family. As for the invitation card... If Lacey wants it, I


    can make her the VIP of the Grand Comeback Ceremony.¡±


    ¡°You really know how to talk big, don''t you?¡± Hannah rebuked. ¡°In a word, put that in your pipe and


    smoke it unless you can really take us to the Great Marshal''s Grand Comeback Ceremony.¡±


    Jeremy''s and Scott''s families had also butted in, giving Lacey advice she never asked for.


    ¡°Money is king in society. No matter how good his medical skills are, can he feed you?¡±


    ¡°Zeke isn''t reliable. He''s too ambitious. He can''t even fork out a dowry of three hundred thousand. You


    think you can be a VIP at the Grand Comeback Ceremony? Still, Jackson is the best for you. Listen to


    your Uncle Jeremy. It''s not like we''re hurting you.¡±


    ¡°If I listened to the both of you and waited for Jackson to save my dad, my dad would have died just


    now,¡± Lacey refuted.


    They were rendered speechless by that sentence.


    ¡°Damn girl, is this how you show respect to your elders?¡± Jeremy scolded, his face red.


    Hannah quickly mediated the dispute, ¡°Don''t worry. I''ll have a good talk with her when we get home.¡±


    ¡°We''ll make a move first.¡± Daniel sighed, turning to leave.


    But Lacey said, ¡°Mom, you and Dad head back first. I have to go to the factoryter.¡±


    Hannah nodded and left with the Hinton family.


    ¡°You heard them just now,¡± Lacey said, eyeing Zeke with aplicated look. ¡°Jackson is ready to


    make a move on you. Are you scared? It''s not toote to regret now.¡±


    ¡°Scared? Regret?¡± Zeke echoed. ¡°Those two words don''t exist in my dictionary.¡±


    ¡°Why didn''t I find you so good at bluffing before?¡± Lacey mused out loud.


    Zeke was speechless.


    How am I bluffing? Did I say something wrong?


    ¡°Alright. You can stay and take shelter at my house in the meantime to avoid Jackson from troubling


    you,¡± Lacey offered.


    Zeke dly agreed.


    It didn''t take long for the two to arrive at Lacey''s steel mill.


    This steel mill was founded by Lacey. It was the brainchild of her many years of hard work.


    The steel mill''srgest and most dependable business came from Hamilton Construction, where Emily


    worked.


    Coincidentally, this constructionpany was the property of the Hamilton family.


    Emily had always been responsible for the business dealings between the constructionpany and


    the steel mill, and surprisingly, she was also the matchmaker who paired off Jackson and Lacey.


    If Emily wanted to sabotage her, the steel mill might really lose this business.


    Just as expected, they received a notice as soon as they returned to the steel mill. Hamilton


    Construction is officially canceling all business dealings with the steel mill.


    Despite mentally preparing herself, Lacey''s face drained of color and hope after hearing that the


    cancetion was confirmed.


    ¡°Lacey,¡± Zeke said. ¡°Do you care a lot about this steel mill?¡±


    ¡°She''s my heart and soul, my child. How can I not care?¡± Lacey sighed sorrowfully.


    ¡°I was going to let you take over all the properties of the richest man in Oakheart City,¡± Zeke said.


    ¡°But since you care about this steel mill so much, then let''s make it bigger and stronger. We''ll use this


    steel mill as a springboard to reach the peak step by step.¡±


    ¡°Does it hurt you to stop bluffing for just a second?¡± Lacey said angrily.


    Zeke felt emotionally exhausted.


    I''m as rich as my country. The richest Schneider family in Oakheart City is just a random, small set-up


    that I staged five years ago.


    Letting you take over all the property of the richest man in Oakheart City is just a matter of my words.


    I''m not bluffing!


    ¡°You''re unemployed, aren¡¯t you?¡± Lacey asked, then suggested, ¡°Why don''t you work as a salesperson


    with me temporarily? I''ll pay you at the highest rate. Although... the steel mill might not survive for long


    after losing Hamilton Construction''s orders.¡±


    Zeke nodded. ¡°Okay. Don''t worry, Lacey. I''ll get you a big order tomorrow.¡±


    If outsiders knew that the marshal of the armed forces was working as a small salesperson in this small


    factory, their jaws would definitely drop.


    Lacey regarded Zeke with mixed emotions in her eyes.


    He''s bluffing again.


    ...


    Just after midnight, Zeke''s phone rang right on time.


    Countless text messages were pouring in. His phone was ringing nonstop.


    Zeke picked up his phone and let out a wee smile.


    He received many congrattory messages from the head of various consortiums, including rich


    people who were willing to give up their wealth, hoping he would save their lives.


    Zeke ignored them but found one of the most insignificant messages.


    It was a message from the richest man of Oakheart City, Evan Schneider. Sir, when will you take over


    the Schneider family''s property?

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7


    When will I take over the Schneider family''s property?


    Zeke replied, Acquire all steel mills in Oakheart City, except for Lacey Hinton''s.


    Since Hamilton Construction no longer allows Lacey to supply steel to them, I''ll cut off all the supplies


    from every steel mill in Oakheart City.


    Going out of town to find supplies? Then I''ll acquire every steel mill across the country!


    ...


    The next day, Zeke simply washed up and exited his room.


    The sun hit just right, and a gentle breeze brushed against his face.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    A coquettish figure was standing under a peach tree, surrounded by an air of mncholy.


    Zeke''s heart palpitated at that breathtaking sight, and he couldn''t bear to disturb her.


    Lacey was frowning as she was making a call, her tone filled with supplication.


    ¡°Mr. Lewis, please reconsider the coboration. We can discuss the price again. What? What do you


    mean there''s nothing to discuss?¡±


    Hanging up the phone, she dialed another number as she couldn''t resign to the oue.


    ¡°Mr. Gray, after much consideration, I agree with your acquisition of the steel mill. But could you raise


    the price a little? What? You want to lower the price... Don''t you think that''s too much?¡±


    Hanging up the phone again, she looked more depressed.


    Only then did she notice Zeke standing at the side.


    She smiled bitterly. ¡°Thest few business partners called just now to inform us that they are cutting


    ties with the steel mill. I suspect Emily and Jackson are behind this. The steel mill may have to shut


    down today.¡±


    Zeke smiled. ¡°Although you look pretty when you''re depressed, it breaks my heart. Don''t worry. Emily


    wille and beg you to cooperate with her. Also, I''ll reel in a big business for you today.¡±


    At that, he turned around and left.


    Looking at his leaving figure, Lacey was amused.


    This guy is good at everything, but his boasting isn¡¯t to beplimented.


    Not long after Zeke left, a BMW suddenly stopped in front of the factory.


    Emily got down from the car, mocking, ¡°Basking in the sun now, are we? Howid back of you.¡±


    ¡°Mypany no longer needs supplies from you, so pay us back now. If you can''t pay us today¡­


    Haha! I can only trouble you to mortgage the factory to us. You can then enjoy your life in prison.¡±


    Lacey could feel a chill wafting across her body.


    I''m doomed. The factory has always been operating in debt. How am I supposed to pay them back?


    Not only is the factory going to close down, but even jail time can''t be spared!


    ...


    At Schneider Group, in Evan Schneider''s office.


    Despite being the richest man in Oakheart City, Evan was like a servant before Zeke. He dared not


    breathe or even look him in the eye.


    If Zeke could easily make him the richest man in Oakheart City, he could likewise destroy him with just


    a snap of his fingers.


    The power of Zeke was beyond Evan¡¯s imagination.


    ¡°Mr. Williams,¡± Evan said gingerly. ¡°I''ve acquired every steel mill in Oakheart City as per your


    instruction. I wonder what''s your n for acquiring these steel mills. Please let me know so that I can


    make the arrangements.¡±


    Zeke drew in a deep breath. ¡°Don''t supply anything to the Hamilton family through these steel mills.


    Also, all the steel orders from the Schneider family shall be given to Lacey Hinton from now on.¡±


    Evan nodded hastily. ¡°Noted, Sir.¡±


    ¡°Do you have any business dealings with Hamilton Construction?¡± Zeke asked abruptly.


    ¡°The Hamilton family handles one of our construction projects,¡± Evan replied. ¡°But the project has been


    overdue for two days and has yet toplete.¡±


    In the construction industry, it wasmon to have a year and a half overdue, let alone two days.


    ¡°Send awyer''s letter to the Hamilton family. If they can''t finish the project today, they shall expect


    disaster in prison,¡± Zeke said.


    Evan nodded incessantly. ¡°Yes, Sir.¡±


    ¡°By the way, Mr. Williams, do you have a problem with the Hamilton family? They have gotten an


    invitation to your Grand Comeback Ceremony through connections. Should I cancel this family''s


    qualification now?¡±


    Zeke nodded. ¡°Yes, their admission tickets are null and void, but don''t tell them just yet.¡±


    Right then, Zeke received a call from Lacey.


    ¡°Zeke, hurry up and head back. Emily is making a scene at the factory.¡±


    Zeke burned with anger. ¡°She''s got a death wish.¡±


    He didn''t stay at the building for long. He took the steel supply contract from the Schneider family and


    fled with an advance payment of five million.


    When he returned to the steel mill, the factory was in a mess.


    Ten bulky men who came with Emily were smashing the steel mill apart.


    Over thirty employees of the steel mill had been knocked to the ground, bruised and battered.


    In a corner, Lacey and Hannah were trembling in fear.


    Zeke clearly noticed that there was a palm print on Hannah''s cheeks.


    His eyes turned slightly red, and a gleam of murderous intent shed in his eyes.


    ¡°You trash, why did youe back?¡± Hannah''s temper sparked when she saw Zeke.


    ¡°Look at what you''ve done. It''s all because of you that my family ended up like this. Please, I beg you.


    Stop hurting my family, will you? Get out of here. Why aren''t you leaving?¡±


    Zeke inhaled deeply, ignoring Hannah as he walked toward the ten bulky men in a murderous manner.


    ¡°From now on, this is the restricted area. Whoever crosses this line shall leave his life behind.¡±


    Shocked, Lacey hurried up to stop him. ¡°Zeke, stop it. You can''t fight them.¡±


    ¡°It''s only right to pay off your debts. Since you can''t afford to repay mypany, I can only demolish


    your factory,¡± Emily jeered. ¡°You want to stand up for them, Zeke? Fine, your wish is granted! Boys, get


    rid of this guy!¡±


    Emily, Lacey, and Hannah were all well aware of Zeke''s strength.


    For the past five years, Zeke had never gotten into a fight. Even when he was ridiculed, he would


    control and suppress his indignation.


    Faced with ten strong men, such a wimp would only be ravaged!


    But little did they know that for the past five years, he didn''t strike at will simply because he was bound


    by the Nine Nations Treaty of Alliance.


    Ten strong men immediately walked up to Zeke, ring at him like ravening tigers.


    Lacey was on pins and needles. ¡°Zeke, run...¡±


    ¡°Lacey,¡± Zeke called her softly. ¡°Remember what I told you? If anyone bullies you, I''ll kill their entire


    family. And if that''s not enough, I''ll dig their ancestral grave. That''s a promise, not an oath.¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, he made his move.


    He walked around Lacey and charged at the ten men.


    Argh!


    Lacey squeezed her eyes shut in despair, unable to bear witnessing the next scene.


    Even if he didn''t die this time, he would be crippled for life.


    The sound of fists to fleshes, apanied by a gut-wrenching voice, resonated.


    However, silence engulfed the scene in just five seconds.


    Lacey fluttered her eyes open to see an unbelievable sight before her.

 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8


    Of course, it wasn''t only Lacey who was astounded, but also Hannah and Emily.


    The men, now curled up in a ball, were paralyzed on the ground, groaning.


    But the weak andnky wimp, Zeke, stood upright, unscathed.


    At this moment, the three of them were sharing the same doubts.


    This wimp can fight?


    Why did he hold back for the past five years if he can fight so well?


    Is he the same Zeke Williams I''ve known for five years?


    Emily was trembling the most.


    She had mistreated Zeke many times in the past, and he never once retaliated.


    Emily had always believed that the reason he didn''t was because he couldn''t defeat her.


    But now it seemed like that wasn''t it. He was just reluctant to hit her because one p from him would


    have been lethal.


    A slight feeling of regret flitted by in her heart. He endured five years of humiliation because of love.


    Just how deep was his love?


    Too bad I lost it with my bare hands.


    Zeke drew out a dagger, hurling it in front of the men.


    ¡°Who hit my mother-inw and which hand did it? Chop it off yourself. It won''t be just a hand if you


    force me to do it.¡±


    Hannah jerked her head up, tears glistening in her eyes.


    She couldn''t remember how long it had been since someone protected her like this.


    Not even her closest family member, her husband Daniel, had ever shown her such dominance.


    But now, the useless ''son-inw'' whom she looked down on the most was going to chop off the other


    party''s hand just because they pped her.


    It would be a lie to say she wasn''t touched.


    At Zeke''s murderous intent, the ten men cast a nce at Emily for help with terror coursing through


    their veins.


    Emily drew in a deep breath, trying hard to quell her thumping heartbeat.


    ¡°So what if you can fight, Zeke Williams? Can you fight against thew? I''m warning you; this steel mill


    owes mypany money. It''s either you pay us every single penny or expect a prison sentence.¡±


    At the mention of thew, Lacey and Hannah once again fell into despair.


    No matter how good hisbat ability was, it was useless if he had no authority.


    Not only would Lacey end up in jail, but Zeke also wouldn''t be able to avoid that fate.


    Only then did Zeke shift his focus from the men to Emily.


    He casually threw a briefcase containing five million advance payment to her.


    ¡°I can pay you, but I''m afraid you won''t dare take it. In fact, you¡¯ll beg us to provide you with supplies


    instead.¡±


    Emily couldn''t help butugh out loud.


    ¡°Pfft, what a joke. Me, begging you to supply us? Unless every steel mill in Oakheart City has shut


    down, you can keep on dreaming! Are you sure it''s cash and not bricks in this briefcase? You couldn''t


    evene up with a dowry of three hundred thousand. Like hell, you can pay us back a million.¡±


    Lacey and Hannah regarded Zeke with a squirrelly look.


    What is this guy doing? Making a fool of himself on purpose?


    Asking someone to beg us for supplies? Is this some kind of joke?


    He can''t even afford three hundred thousand. So how could he get a million for the goods?


    Just then, Emily''s phone rang. It was a call from Hamilton Construction''s project manager.


    ¡°Dawson, what''s up?¡± Emily answered the call.


    ¡°I''m not sure what''s going on with the Schneider family. They just sent us awyer''s letter,¡± Dawson


    said in exasperation.


    ¡°The Schneider family wants us to finish the project today, or they''ll meet us in court. I need arge


    amount of steel urgently, so hurry up and purchase a batch. Send it to us.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Emily promptly replied.


    After hanging up the phone, Emily immediately called the steel supplier.


    ¡°Hunt, quickly send us a batch of steel... What? Your steel mill was acquired? Okay, I''m hanging up.¡±


    Emily hung up and called another supplier.


    ¡°Floyd, I''m giving you a chance to be rich. I''m nning to purchase steels from you... What? Toote?


    Your steel mill has been acquired too? What the hell?¡±


    Thereafter, she made another three to four calls to other steel mills.


    However, she received the same answer. ''Our steel mill was acquiredst night'' was all she got in


    return.


    This made Emily anxious. She quickly asked someone to investigate the person behind these


    acquisitions.


    But the answer she received drove her to the brink of a mental breakdown.


    ¡°The other party sent an intermediary to discuss the acquisition. No one knows who the buyer is!¡±


    Where else can I buy steel if I can''t contact the real owner of these steel mills?


    Just then, the project manager called again.


    ¡°Clemons, where are the steels we need? I''m warning you, if we can''t finish the Schneider family''s


    project today, our constructionpany will be finished. You''ll be ountable for this if the Schneider


    family questions us!¡±


    Emily nched, her breathing stagnant.


    ¡°Calm down, Dawson. I''ll think of something.¡±


    After hanging up the phone, Emily''s gaze fell on Lacey.


    ¡°Was your steel mill acquired?¡±


    Lacey shook her head. ¡°Someone wanted to acquire it two days ago, but I didn''t agree.¡±


    ¡°Well, lucky for you,¡± Emily snorted. ¡°Let''s continue our coboration. Send me a batch of steel


    immediately.¡±


    Lacey felt a sudden re of joy, not expecting to weather the storm like this.


    ¡°Did you forget what I said just now?¡± Zeke suddenly spoke when Lacey was about to agree. ¡°Let me


    give you a hint. I said I''d make you beg us for the supplies.¡±


    As soon as he spoke, Lacey and Emily immediately realized that the situation wasn''t right.


    Zeke was speaking conceited nonsense about Emily begging them to continue with the coboration.


    And the next moment, every steel mill in the city was acquired, and herpany was deprived of


    supplies.


    Did Zeke do this?


    That''s impossible. How could he acquire every steel mill in the city when he couldn''t evene up with


    three hundred thousand?


    Could it be a mere coincidence? But this coincidence is just... hard to exin.


    Emily calmed her mind and gave a snort of disgust. ¡°You want to control the court? Dream on! Don''t


    forget that if you refuse to coborate, you guys have to give us a refund. As far as I know, the steel


    mill has been operating in debt. So how are you going to pay us back? Just rot in jail if you can''t.¡±


    Zeke nced at the briefcase. ¡°Open the briefcase.¡±


    Emily looked at the briefcase, then at Zeke, suddenly bing a little disheartened.


    This trash couldn''t have possibly gotten a million, could he?


    She opened the briefcase with trepidation.


    Money!


    The briefcase is filled with notes of every color!


    There should be at least five million inside!


    What''s going on?


    Lacey was dumbfounded as Emily was trembling down to the soles of her shoes.


    He actually got five million!


    Emily was on the verge of a meltdown.


    If this five million really belongs to Zeke, does that mean I''ve just lost a treasure with my own hands?


    And this treasure was picked up by Lacey...


    She had never regretted anything so much.


    Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡°Take the money and get out,¡± Zeke said coldly.


    Hannah, who was shocked, came back to her senses as she rushed toward that briefcase. ¡°No, you


    can''t take it away. We only owe her one million, and there''s at least five million here.¡±


    ¡°Go away!¡± Emily clutched the briefcase tightly in her arms. ¡°None of you are qualified to touch this


    money besides me.¡±


    Zeke looked stunned.


    This woman wouldn''t be so brazen to try and get back together for five million, would she?

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9


    Indeed, Emily had that thought in mind.


    Of course, only if she managed to figure out if the money belonged to Zeke.


    ¡°Zeke Williams, it was I who stayed by your side when you were at your lowest!¡± Emily''s voice


    quavered. ¡°You''re going to dump me now that you''re rich? Not a chance!¡±


    Zeke sighed. ¡°Then do you want to get back together with me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do!¡± Emily was overjoyed. ¡°With this five million, you''re worthy of me!¡±


    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Great, let''s go register our marriage now,¡± Zeke said. ¡°Right, did you bring any cash with you? I''ve got


    no money with me now. I think it cost about ten bucks to get the certificate.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Emily was taken aback. ¡°Isn''t there five million here?¡±


    ¡°This money isn¡¯t mine. In fact, I''m so poor I haven''t eaten breakfast yet,¡± Zeke said.


    ¡°The money isn¡¯t yours? You''re too poor to afford breakfast?¡± Emily echoed in astonishment.


    ¡°F**k! You''re still the same broke ass. Well, what did I say? How can you get five million when you can''t


    even afford to pay us another three hundred thousand? You want to marry me, even if you''re broke?


    You wish!¡±


    Zeke shook his head slightly. Why didn''t I realize Emily was such a snob before?


    ¡°The money isn¡¯t yours? Then where did you get this five million?¡± Lacey asked curiously.


    Zeke appeared mysterious. ¡°Have you forgotten my identity?¡±


    ¡°Aren''t you a salesperson at our mill? What has it got to do with five million?¡±


    Pfft!


    Emilyughed. ¡°How shameless of you, a shitty salesperson at a small mill, to ask me to marry you.


    What a joke!¡±


    Upon knowing Zeke was inferior to her, Emily felt a little relieved.


    ¡°This is an order I reeled in for our mill today,¡± Zeke said, handing Lacey a contract.


    ¡°This five million is an advance payment.¡±


    What?


    Lacey epted the contract in a fluster.


    Just how big is this order to give us an advance payment of five million?


    After reading through the contract, Lacey cried tears of joy.


    ¡°The steel mill is saved, Mom. The steel mill is saved. We don''t have to go bankrupt.¡±


    ¡°No way!¡± Emily ran up frantically, snatching the contract.


    After reading it, her eyes turned red.


    One hundred million. Zeke actually snatched a one hundred million deal from the Schneider family, the


    richest family in Oakheart City!


    For a one hundred million deal, the profit is at least ten million. That''s ten million!


    Zeke is a multi-millionaire!


    Emily was demoralized after being hit with multiple blows.


    ¡°Zeke Williams,¡± she shouted. ¡°You... you just tricked me!¡±


    Zeke shrugged. ¡°I didn''t trick you. I''m just a small salesperson. This order is Lacey''s, and it has nothing


    to do with me.¡±


    ¡°I don''t care,¡± Emily shrieked hysterically. ¡°Let''s get married, Zeke. Let''s register our marriage now.


    Give me this order. I can even take you to attend the Great Marshal''s Grand Comeback Ceremony.¡±


    If this order was given to her, she could earn ten million inmission.


    Although she had the Great Marshal''s invitation card in her hands, it could only bring her insubstantial


    power and not a solid ten million.


    Zeke ignored her and walked toward Lacey. ¡°Lacey, stop crying. The Schneider family''s order is very


    urgent, so hurry up and get started.¡±


    Lacey quickly wiped off her tears. ¡°Yes, let''s get started. Let''s get to work.¡±


    With that said, Lacey prompted her employees to start work, but Emily wouldn''t let them go.


    ¡°Lacey, please. I beg you,¡± Emily pleaded, rushing up to them. ¡°Return Zeke to me, will you?¡±


    ¡°Zeke, the invitation card will give us power and status, and in addition to your order as the start-up


    capital, we can establish a bigpany. We''re a match made in heaven. Please give me a chance and


    give yourself a chance!¡±


    Zeke looked at Lacey slyly. ¡°You wouldn''t possibly sell me out for this stic sisterhood, would you?¡±


    Lacey smiled through her tears. ¡°Excuse you! I haven''t even agreed to marry you.¡±


    ¡°You don''t have to beg me, Emily. If Zeke wants to go back to you, he can go back anytime.¡±


    Emily nced at Zeke.


    ¡°I gave you a chance, but you didn''t cherish it. There''s nothing I can do about it.¡± Zeke shrugged,


    looking up at the sky.


    Emily flushed a slow, beet red, recalling her mockeries just now.


    Now that there was no hope for reconciliation, she could only settle for the next best thing.


    ¡°Lacey, you must provide mypany with supplies this time, please,¡± she cried, begging.


    ¡°Otherwise, the Hamilton family won''t spare my life! You don''t want to see me get killed by the Hamilton


    family, do you?¡±


    Lacey''s heart softened. She sighed and nodded.


    ¡°Thank you so much.¡± Emily forced a smile and ran off. She was afraid Lacey would go back on her


    words.


    ¡°Will you me me for helping her?¡± Lacey regarded Zeke cautiously.


    Zeke shook his head. ¡°Do you know what is it that I like about you?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Lacey asked shyly.


    ¡°Your kindness,¡± Zeke replied.


    Lacey stomped her feet in aggravation. ¡°Are you insinuating that I''m ugly?¡±


    Zeke was at a loss for words.


    A woman''s heart is as fickle as April''s weather.


    Lacey angrily ignored Zeke and turned to her workers.


    ¡°Boys, let''s get to work. I will double your sry from today onward.¡±


    The workers'' spirits brightened as they hurriedly got into their positions.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Williams.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mrs. Williams.¡±


    Zeke happily threw a pack of Yellow Crane Tower cigarettes to an employee just because he yelled


    ''Mrs. Williams.''


    ¡°Pfft!¡± Lacey blushed.


    Zeke''s face scrunched up as he looked at the ten strong men whom Emily had brought.


    ¡°Are you guys done yet? No? It seems that you guys want me to do it myself, huh?¡±


    Suddenly, one of them walked out from the crowd and knelt on the ground with a thump, pping


    himself in tears and snots.


    ¡°I was wrong. I deserve to die. I shouldn''t have done that. Please spare my life, Sir.¡±


    Zeke sneered, ¡°Trying to gain sympathy, eh? No deal! Leave a pair of hands and feet behind.¡±


    Hannah, who had been clinging to the briefcase, regained herposure, shouting, ¡°No, no, no. Don''t!


    Just let him p himself a hundred times. Don''t take his limbs.¡±


    Hannah was just an ordinary homemaker. How could she bear to see that gory sight?


    ¡°Well, aren''t you going to thank my mother-inw?¡± Zeke sneered.


    That bulky man prostrated himself to the ground, thanking her.


    ¡°Although I still don''t agree to this marriage, thank you for saving Lacey''s steel mill,¡± Hannah said to


    Zeke with mixed emotions.


    ¡°I just did what I had to do,¡± Zeke stated.


    After a moment of hesitation, Hannah spoke, ¡°Emily''s status will definitely rise after she attends the


    Grand Comeback Ceremony. In addition to the Hamilton family''s threats, you guys will have a rough


    journey ahead, so be careful.¡±


    Zeke nodded, a trace of bliss gleaming in his eyes.


    The underlying meaning of Hannah''s words was that she would stop interfering in this marriage and


    allow nature to take its course. Hence, she was reminding him to be careful.


    ¡°I''ll deposit the money in the bank for you first, in case you need it,¡± Hannah said, tapping the briefcase.


    Suddenly remembering something, Zeke hurriedly took out a purple bank card from his pocket.


    ¡°This is a gift from me. Kindly ept it. Take this card to deposit and withdraw money. You can enjoy


    VVIP treatment without having to queue up. The password is Lacey''s birthday.¡±


    This purple bank card, called the Bauhinia Royal Card, was limited to ny-nine copies worldwide.


    Only royalty and elite families were worthy of its possession, and they could spend one hundred million


    overdrafts.


    Lacey gave that card a once-over, her eyes sparkling.


    The card seemed familiar, as if she had seen it on TV before.


    But she couldn''t remember the details.


    Hannah didn''t think too much of it and treated it as an ordinary VIP card. She picked up the card and


    left.


    As soon as she left, a row of ck private cars stopped in front of the steel mill with a group of men in


    suits walking over.


    ¡°Oh no,¡± Lacey gulped.

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10


    Zeke furrowed his brows. ¡°What is it? Who are they?¡±


    ¡°They''re from the Industrial and Commercial Bureau,¡± Lacey said.


    ¡°Today is the day for a weekly routine spot check. I didn''t expect them to inspect the steel mill. There¡¯s


    just been a fight here. This ce is a mess. I don''t know if it can pass the review.¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry, I''m here. It''ll be fine,¡± Zekeforted.


    If he wanted to, he could easily make the capital of Oakheart City his own. A few rotten fish and


    shrimps from the Industrial and Commercial Bureau did not bother him at all.


    With noment, Lacey pouted as she personally weed the other party.


    As Zeke had nothing to do, he went into the bathroom and smoked.


    Halfway through his cigarette, he bumped into a man in a suit.


    Zeke recognized him as the leader of the Industrial and Commercial team.


    The other party was trying hard at the urinal for a long time but couldn''t seem to squeeze out a drop of


    urine.


    His face flushed from suffocation. He was sweating profusely and groaning in difort.


    Zeke couldn''t help but feel sorry for him.


    You''re suffering from kidney stones, Zeke thought to himself. At this rate, he''ll die from a burst dder.


    Not wanting any casualties in the steel mill, he chose a few long silver needles from the Ammo Needle


    and walked toward the man.


    ¡°Don''t move,¡± Zeke said. ¡°I''ll help you crush the stones.¡±


    ¡°Hey, hey, hey.¡± The man in a suit panicked. ¡°What are you doing? Stop it...¡±


    Even famous doctors from around the world couldn''t get rid of his kidney stones. It would be an


    international joke if this man could cure it with just a few silver needles.


    However, Zeke had already taken action before he could finish his sentence.


    The silver needles were inserted from his lower back into his dder.


    The man cursed, ¡°What the f**k,¡± but suddenly stopped.


    Almost immediately, the sound of rushing water and afortable hush sound were heard.


    The man clearly noticed countless small, fractured stones being excreted along with the urine.


    He was so exhrated that his eyes brimmed with tears.


    The problem that had been troubling and causing him pain for five years had finally been solved.


    What a miracle!


    I''ve met a living god!


    The man was so thrilled that he wanted to shake Zeke''s hand, not realizing that he had peed on his


    hands.


    Zeke berated, ¡°Go wash your hands.¡±


    The man shot him an awkward smile, taking out a name card. ¡°Nice to meet you, Divine Doctor. Please


    ept my name card.¡±


    ¡°I''m Liam George, the director of the Industrial and Commercial Bureau. If you have something to say,


    please go ahead.¡±


    Zeke didn''t reply but noticed the wolf''s head logo on his wrist.


    ¡°You were ckie''s underling?¡±


    Liam''s eyes constricted, his hands shaking.


    Who on earth is this man to have the nerve to call him ckie?


    ¡°Yes, I... I was ck Wolf''s subordinate,¡± Liam said. ¡°And you are...¡±


    Zeke turned around and left without epting his name card. ¡°The name''s Zeke, Zeke Williams.¡±


    What?


    Thud!


    Liam couldn''t help but fall on his knees.


    Zeke Williams, the legend from the armed forces, the God of War, who led thousands of troops to make


    a clean sweep of the borders of nine countries...


    He''s a living god!


    I can''t believe I''ve met a patron saint while I was peeing.


    Zeke returned to Lacey''s side, who was looking sad and despondent.


    ¡°It''s over. They''ve discovered many problems just now. The steel mill will definitely have to close for


    reorganization. We''ll be in serious trouble if it affects the Schneider family''s order.¡±


    Zeke patted her shoulder gently. ¡°Rx. We won''t.¡±


    ¡°You don''t have to console me.¡± Lacey sighed. ¡°I''ve been dealing with them for over five years. I''m well


    aware of their style of doing things.¡±


    At this moment, Liam came out of the washroom.


    He gestured to his subordinates, who then hurriedly gathered around him.


    He briefly said a few words to them, then led them into the car and departed.


    Lacey gaped in surprise. ¡°Why did they leave? That''s unusual.¡±


    Then, suddenly remembering something, she scrutinized Zeke from top to bottom. ¡°Aren''t you going to


    exin anything to me?¡±


    ¡°Exin what?¡± Zeke asked.


    ¡°For example, how did you know that someone had acquired every steel mill in the city, cutting Emily


    off supplies and that she would beg us for supplies?¡± Lacey questioned.


    ¡°And how could the dignified Schneider family be interested in our small mill and give us such arge


    order? Also, you said that the people from the Industrial and Commerce Bureau will not trouble us. And


    look, they¡¯ve really left.¡±


    ¡°Easy,¡± Zeke said casually.


    ¡°I was the one who acquired every steel mill in the city and prevented them from supplying to Emily. As


    for the Schneider family, it''s just a little something that I''ve set up at Oakheart City. The Schneider


    family''s property is all mine. And the people from the Industrial and Commerce Bureau? They''re not


    even a speck of dust in my eyes.¡±


    Lacey was mentally exhausted. ¡°Can you do something about your bravado?¡±


    Zeke was dumbstruck.


    What happened to trust between people?


    ...


    Meanwhile, Emily had arrived at Jackson''s office with a stomach full of anger.


    After exining the ins and outs of what exactly happened, Jackson went ballistic.


    ¡°You''re a piece of trash, Emily. Do you know that? How could you mess up this simple matter?¡±


    In fact, what happened today had all been nned by Jackson.


    He had sent Emily to Lacey''s steel mill to threaten her with her bankruptcy.


    That way, Lacey would beg him in return, and then he could threaten her with the marriage contract.


    However, he had not expected Emily to y this good card so badly.


    Emily felt aggrieved. After all, it wasn''t her fault that the n fell through. She could only me the


    person who had secretly acquired every steel mill in the city and stopped supplying to the Hamilton


    family.


    However, she didn''t dare to express her inner thoughts. ¡°Jackson, I think it''s more appropriate that you


    take care of this and separate them yourself. Zeke Williams has no right to im your woman. He''s just


    a simp.¡±


    ¡°Hmph! Williams, that piece of shit,¡± Jackson snorted. ¡°It''s not my turn to strike yet.¡±


    ¡°Phoebe, have you done everything you were told to do?¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry, Mr. Hamilton,¡± said his secretary at the side in a coquettish manner.


    ¡°I''ve followed your instructions and made Jeremy''s son-inw the section chief of the Industrial and


    Commercial Bureau.¡±


    Jackson smiled in satisfaction.


    To his knowledge, Lacey''s family was afraid of Jeremy; they obeyed him.


    If Jeremy spoke up and forced Lacey to marry him, Lacey would most likelyply.


    As such, he had made a deal with Jeremy.


    In return of making Jeremy''s son-inw the section chief of the Industrial and Commercial Bureau,


    Jeremy would force Lacey to get engaged with him tonight.


    And if Lacey didn''t agree to it, Jeremy would let his son-inw seize Lacey''s steel mill.


    The n for tonight was foolproof.


    ...


    It was the evening when Lacey received a call from Jeremy.


    Jeremy''s son-inw had be the section chief of the Industrial and Commercial Bureau, and they


    had invited her and Zeke to a celebration feast.


    Upon hearing that, Lacey''s eyes lit up. She quickly epted the invitation.


    Hanging up the phone, she said to Zeke mysteriously, ¡°I finally know why the steel mill wasn''t held


    ountable by the Industry and Commerce team today.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Zeke asked.


    ¡°Uncle Jeremy''s son-inw became the section chief of the Industrial and Commercial Bureau. It must


    be because of him that they didn''t probe deeper today.¡±


    Zeke remained silent.


    The director of the Industrial and Commercial Bureau, Liam George, personally stepped forward today.


    Why would he do what he did today for a mere section chief?


    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    It''s because he was grateful for my kindness in curing his disease that he let you go today.


    ¡°Come on. Let''s go to the celebration feast. I want to thank Uncle Jeremy and his family properly,¡±


    Lacey said.


    Zeke creased his brows. ¡°Your uncle invited me as well?¡±


    Lacey nodded. ¡°Yeah, he insisted for you to attend.¡±


    Zeke contemted.


    Why would Jeremy take the initiative to invite me when he had disapproved of my marriage with Lacey


    all this while?


    It seems this celebration feast is a trap.


    I hope they aren¡¯t targeting me this time, Zeke thought to himself. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t mind banishing


    them from this country.


    Jeremy had been challenging him too many times. Zeke was beginning to lose his patience.


    As a precautionary measure, Zeke secretly sent a message to Lone Wolf.

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11


    Lacey got a phone call from her parents on her way to the party.


    ¡°I think we shouldn''t invite Zeke to the party,¡± Daniel said.


    ¡°What? Why?¡± Lacey asked in confusion.


    ¡°I mean, look at Jeremy''s son-inw. He''s a section chief in the Industrial and Commercial Bureau,¡±


    Daniel sighed. ¡°Zeke is just a small office worker. Frankly, he''s a leech in our family. Our rtives are


    going to make fun of him.¡±


    ¡°But Uncle Jeremy has insisted on Zeke joining us. Won''t he get angry if Zeke doesn''t show up?¡± Lacey


    asked.


    Daniel paused for a few seconds. ¡°Fine. Let him join us then. We have to listen to Jeremy''s request.¡±


    After hanging up on the call, Lacey turned to look at Zeke.


    She suddenly didn''t want Zeke to join the party anymore.


    If shepared herself to Jeremy''s daughter, Lily Hinton, they were worlds apart.


    Lily would definitely show her section chief husband off at the party.


    The only reason Jeremy had invited Zeke was to make fun of Lacey. The thought of it hurt Lacey''s


    head.


    She turned to look at Zeke who was soundly sleeping in the passenger''s seat and sighed, ¡°You sure


    are useless...¡±


    The two of them arrived at the Royal Hotel not long after that.


    One of the luxurious dining rooms was already filled with people.


    Not only has Jeremy invited Lacey and her family, but all the other rtives as well.


    The party was as huge as a wedding party.


    Both Lily and her husband, Skye Hans, were the focus of the party.


    All the rtives were busy congratting Jeremy. Not one of them noticed when Lacey and Zeke came


    in.


    ¡°Skye, you''re amazing. I can''t believe you''re already a section chief at such a young age.¡±


    ¡°Lily has surely found herself a great husband. They¡¯re such a perfect match!¡±


    ¡°Hans, please take care of my son once he graduates, okay?¡±


    Lily Hinton was proud when her rtives praised her husband, while Skye pretended to be humble.


    Lacey let out a breath of relief when she realized that none of her rtives had noticed her.


    However, she was relieved too soon, as Lily soon noticed them. ¡°Lacey! Wee. So, what does your


    husband do?¡±


    The moment Lily opened her mouth, everyone shifted their attention towards Lacey and Zeke.


    ¡°H-he works at my factory...¡± Lacey stuttered.


    ¡°He works for you? So, he''s basically living off of you?¡± Lily half joked.


    The crowd exploded intoughter, embarrassing Lacey.


    ¡°Hey, I''m just joking. Don''t get angry at me, alright?¡± Lily finally said when theughter died down. ¡°But


    his future is doomed if he continues to work in a factory. Skye, why don''t you give him a job?¡±


    ¡°That''s going to be hard,¡± Skyeughed wryly. ¡°I heard he was an ex-convict?¡±


    ¡°That''s right! How could I forget Zeke has been locked up for five years!¡± Lily eximed.


    That statement garnered everyone''s attention.


    They could not believe Lacey''s boyfriend used to be a prisoner.


    If theypared Lily and Lacey''s partners, they were like heaven and earth.


    Even though the rtives said nothing, their stares were enough to kill a person''s soul.


    Both Daniel and Hannah drooped their heads to hide their embarrassment.


    They wondered what sins they''dmitted in their past life for their daughter to find such trash.


    Daniel would''ve chased Zeke out if not for the crowd still staring at them.


    As for the fact that Zeke had helped him secured his position, Danielpletely forgot about it.


    Jeremy, who remained silent the whole time, suddenly spoke. ¡°Talent isn¡¯t the only reason Hans got his


    position. He had help as well.¡±


    ¡°Help? Doesn''t it take someone high up in the hierarchy to appoint a position such as Hans''?¡± one of


    the rtives asked.


    ¡°It was Jackson from the Hamilton family,¡± Jeremy said proudly. ¡°From what I know, Skye and Jackson


    go way back.¡±


    The revtion shocked the crowd.


    ¡°You mean one of the four big families in the Oakheart City, the Hamiltons? Holy cow! Hans sure knows


    a lot of people!¡±


    ¡°He won''t have to worry about his future if he knows someone like that!¡±


    ¡°I also heard that the Hamilton family has gotten an invitation from the Great Marshal! Hans! Can you


    ask the Hamiltons if they can secure a guard position at the Grand Ceremony? Heck, even a cleaner


    position will do!¡±


    The rtives were all satisfied with Skye Hans.


    ¡°Also, Jackson Hamilton is interested in Lacey, but she chose that ex-convict instead,¡± Jeremy


    continued. ¡°Seriously, did her parents not teach you anything? She''s just embarrassing the whole


    Hinton family!¡±


    The crowd could not believe their ears. Lacey has chosen an ex-prisoner instead of a billionaire.


    ¡°This is my private matter! You don''t have the right to tell me what to do!¡± Lacey cried out.


    ¡°Of course, I do! I''m your uncle!¡± Jeremy scolded. ¡°How can youpare that useless piece of shit with


    Jackson? Does he know anyone in the Industrial and Commercial Bureau? Can he secure a section


    chief position like Skye? Heck, can he get an invitation to the Grand Ceremony? How do you think


    others would look at Hans if they learned he has an ex-convict as a rtive?¡±


    Lacey''s eyes reddened. She couldn''t believe she had to suffer such embarrassment from her rtives.


    Zeke took out a cigarette and lit it up with a smile.


    If these people knew who I really am, they would''ve pissed their pants instantly.


    There was only one reason the Great Marshal would smoke. It meant that he was furious.


    When the Great Marshal got angry, blood will be spilt.


    At the same time, Liam George, director of the Industrial and Commercial Bureau, entered the hotel


    with a party of people for dinner.


    They were told that thergest private dining room had already been booked.


    Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Just as Liam was about to head to another ce, his assistant, a fat man, suggested, ¡°Sir, why don''t


    we go and take a look if they''re about to finish? It''s already quitete for us to head to another ce.¡±


    Liam thought about it and nodded. ¡°Okay, go.¡±


    The assistant nodded and ran towards the dining room that Lacey and her rtives were in.


    Bang!


    The door swung open as the assistant barged into the room.


    ¡°Hey! You lot! Hurry up and leave! I''m taking this room!¡±


    ¡°Who the f**k are you?¡± Jeremy got out of his chair and scolded.


    ¡°Don''t you dare curse at me! I''m from the Industrial and Commercial Bureau! Get lost, or I''ll have all of


    you arrested!¡± The assistantughed.


    ¡°The bureau? Do you know who my son-inw is? He''s your new section chief!¡± Jeremy challenged.


    But, instead of getting scared, the fat man smiled even more hysterically.


    He scanned the crowd and finallyid his eyes on Skye.


    ¡°I see. So, Mr. Hans is here as well! Is this how you treat the person who promoted you?¡± The assistant


    scolded.


    After realizing who the fat man was, Skye''s face turned pale.

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12


    ¡°M-Mr. Dous, please calm down,¡± Skye pleaded as he ran towards the assistant and offered a


    cigarette. ¡°My father-inw has no idea who you are.¡±


    The fat man did not ept the cigarette and insteadughed, ¡°Keep your cigarette. You''re now fired.


    Get lost!¡±


    In an instant, Skye felt as if his whole world had copsed. He couldn''t believe he had lost his job just


    hours after he got it.


    ¡°Mr. Dous! Please spare me! I have nothing to do with this family anymore! We haven''t even signed


    the papers yet! It''s not official! Just forgive me this one time! I beg you!¡±


    All of Jeremy''s rtives looked as if they had just been punched in the face. They couldn''t believe that


    Skye Hans, the person they were proud to have in their family, was nothing in front of the fat man.


    Hans had to forfeit his rtionship with the family to save his position.


    ¡°Y-you ungrateful ba****d!¡± Jeremy yelled.


    ¡°How dare you turn your back on us?¡± Lily also scolded. ¡°To hell with being the section chief! How dare


    you treat us like this?¡±


    Skye turned around and pushed Lily away, so hard that he made Lily fall to the floor.


    ¡°Do you really think you''re in the position to talk? Give this room to Mr. Dous this instant!¡± Skye


    roared.


    They were a family just a moment ago, yet everything changed in a blink of an eye.


    Lily couldn''t hold in her tears any longer.


    Jeremy had no choice but to draw his final card.


    ¡°Do you know who my niece is promised to? Jackson Hamilton!¡±


    The fat man looked at Jeremy andughed even louder. ¡°Let me guess, you guys are the Hinton family,


    right?¡±


    Jeremy nodded. ¡°That''s right! This is Jackson''s fianc¨¦e, Lacey Hinton!¡±


    ¡°Indeed, I have to show some respect to the Hamilton family,¡± the fat man said. ¡°But do you really think


    Jackson is willing to get on my bad side because of you guys?¡±


    His statement stunned the whole crowd.


    Even the Hamilton family could not scare the fat man.


    ¡°Still, Lacey Hinton is quite the famous person now,¡± the fat man stated, looking at Lacey. ¡°The news of


    her rejecting Jackson is really something. So, which one of you is the trash she picked instead?¡±


    Lacey was so embarrassed; she wanted to find a hole to hide in.


    Zeke stood up slowly, his eyes filled with murderous intent.


    Hannah Lawson quickly pulled Zeke on his shirt, terrified. ¡°Sit back down! Just let him say what he


    wants.¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry about it,¡± Zeke said nonchntly. ¡°I''ve had it with people making fun of Lacey. It''s time I


    make an example out of them.¡±


    Zeke then took a puff of his cigarette before shoving it down the fat man''s throat. Before the fat man


    could even realize what was happening, Zeke grabbed him by his neck and lifted him off the floor.


    A 300-pound man was easily raised with just one arm of Zeke!


    The fat man struggled in pain as he gasped for air.


    But no matter how much the fat man squirmed, Zeke''s tight grip held him firmly in ce.


    The Hinton family could not believe their eyes as Zeke punished the man who dared challenge the


    Hamilton family.


    But they also felt relieved, as this will cause the fat man to shift his attention from the family to Zeke.


    The Hinton family thought they might be able to live if they cut off their ties with Zeke.


    Lacey was terrified and quickly stopped Zeke. ¡°Hey! Let him go!¡±


    Zeke swung his arm and threw the fat man to the floor.


    The fat man quickly tried to cough the cigarette out, but only blood came out.


    ¡°You f**ker! Men! Take him down!¡± The fat man yelled.


    Lacey quickly grabbed Zeke''s hand and pulled him towards the window. ¡°You have to run, now! Go as


    far away from the city as possible until things die down!¡±


    Before they could reach the window, however, Jeremy and a group of their rtives blocked their way.


    ¡°Oh, you''re not leaving,¡± Jeremy smiled cruelly. ¡°You have to take responsibility for what you''ve done.¡±


    Lacey could only look at the crowd with a pale expression.


    ¡°Don''t worry, Lacey. They won''t be able to do anything to me,¡± Zeke insisted.


    ¡°You... you...¡± Lacey didn''t know how to reply him.


    Liam George heard themotion and rushed into the dining room along with everyone else.


    The sight of his assistant lying on the floor angered Liam. ¡°Who did this?¡±


    Jeremy quickly pointed at Zeke. ¡°He did this! We don''t know him!¡±


    Realizing things were about to go sideways, Daniel quickly pulled Hannah away from Zeke.


    The moment Liamid his eyes on Zeke, he wished he''d never came to this ce. The director of the


    bureau would rather meet with Satan than the man in front of him.


    ¡°Liam George. Is this how you educate your men?¡± Zeke smiled at Liam. ¡°Kicking people out of their


    room and insulting them?¡±


    Liam quickly copsed to the floor and begged, ¡°My apologies, Mr. Williams. I will take all the


    responsibilities for my subordinate''s action.¡±


    The director then turned to the fat man and scolded, ¡°Preston Dous! You''re f**king fired!¡±


    The fat man could only look at Liam in despair.


    Who the f**k is that man? Did he just make Liam George plead for his life?


    ¡°Get lost,¡± Zeke ordered Liam. ¡°If I see this happen again, I''ll hang your head for everyone to see.¡±


    Liam quickly thanked Zeke before running away with the crowd he came with.


    The director was already covered in sweat because he knew Zeke was serious about having his head


    hanged.


    The room was inplete silence as the Hinton family stared at Zeke with their jaws dropped.


    The event that had just happened in thest few minutes were unbelievable.


    Skye, the pride of the family, was first humiliated by the fat man.


    Then, the master of the fat man kneeled to Zeke, the person they looked down on.


    Everyone couldn''t help but begin to wonder who Lacey''s boyfriend really was.


    Zeke turned to look at Lacey affectionately and asked, ¡°Have you had enough to eat?¡±


    ¡°What? Oh, yeah,¡± Lacey paused before responding.


    ¡°Let''s go for a walk then,¡± Zeke suggested.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Lacey nodded.


    Once they were at the door, Zeke lowered his head to look at Preston, who was still in shock. ¡°These


    people said they don''t know me. You heard that, right?¡±


    What Zeke meant was that since the family and he weren''t acquainted, Preston was free to do anything


    he wanted with them.


    A crude smile appeared on the fat man''s face. ¡°I understand. Thank you, Mr. Williams.¡±


    The Hinton family was dumbfounded as they watched Zeke and Lacey leave.


    As soon as they were out of the dining room, Lacey asked Zeke worriedly. ¡°Zeke, are you really going


    to leave Jeremy and the others like that?¡±


    ¡°I''ll do whatever you want,¡± Zeke smiled.


    Lacey took a deep breath. ¡°Since they¡¯re family... Please let them go.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Zeke nodded. ¡°But, let them first beg your mom and dad for forgiveness. It''s time they repent


    Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    for their sins.¡±


    ¡°You''re right,¡± Lacey beamed.


    And as Zeke had expected, Preston began to threaten Jeremy and his family.

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13


    ¡°Well, it''s just a position at the bureau anyway,¡± Preston snorted. ¡°I haven''t introduced myself, have I?


    I''m from one of the four big families, Preston Dous. If I want to, I can wipe the Hinton family off the


    earth with a snap of my fingers.¡±


    The Hintons could only tremble in fear as they didn''t even have the right to beg for forgiveness from the


    Dous family.


    Just as the Hinton family was pondering what to do, Jeremy acted.


    The eldest brother quickly offered a cigarette to Daniel.


    ¡°Daniel, I''m still your brother... You won''t leave me to rot, right? I know I was a d**k to you. Please


    forgive me for that.¡±


    The others began to follow Jeremy''s lead and started pleading towards Daniel and Hannah.


    ¡°He''s right, Daniel. You''ve surely found yourself a wonderful future son-inw! He''s the pride of the


    Hinton family! The things we spoke of just now... Yeah, that was so disgusting...¡±


    ¡°Skye Hans is no match for your future son-inw.¡±


    ¡°They''re right. Zeke is still young and has quite the temper, but that''s a good thing. Just help us get on


    his good side.¡±


    Both Daniel and Hannah were taken aback.


    The couple had been looked down on by their rtives for years.


    They had no idea to which of their rtives pleads they should listen to first.


    When they replied to any one of them, the other party would smile warmly back at them.


    The person with the worst fate amongst them was Skye Hans.


    A man that used to stand at the highest point in the group.


    Skye begged for Lily''s forgiveness, but thedy kicked him aside.


    At first, Lily was hoping to use Skye to taunt Lacey.


    And yet, not only did Zeke outshine Skye, but thetter had also tried to use Jeremy as a shield.


    After the party ended, Daniel refused Jeremy''s invitation to drive them back. Instead, he decided to


    walk back home with Hannah.


    On their way back, Hannah started to cry.


    ¡°Honey, what''s wrong?¡± Daniel panicked.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been married for 30 years, and your rtives have bullied me for that long. Zeke had just joined


    our family a few days ago, and he has already helped me so much... Even an ex-prisoner is better than


    you!¡±


    ¡°I''m sorry, honey. These past few years must''ve been hard for you...¡± Daniel apologized.


    ¡°Say, do you really think Zeke is a normal person? How can someone scare Liam George that much?


    Could he be hiding his identity?¡±


    ¡°Honey, I think you should stop reading those novels,¡± Danielughed wryly. ¡°Things like that could only


    appear in fiction. If he really is noble, why did he suffer in the Clemons family for five years? Plus, he


    couldn''t even pay a dowry of three hundred thousand for the weddingst time.¡±


    Hannah thought about it and said, ¡°Then, how do you exin the Liam incident? I also remember


    something else. Didn''t Zeke sign a billion-dor deal with the Schneider family? There''s no way the


    wealthiest family in the city would sign a deal with Lacey''s factory. Could it be that Zeke knows


    someone in the Schneider family?¡±


    After hearing what Hannah had said, Daniel pped his own head. ¡°Right! If I''m not wrong, the head of


    the Schneider family went to prison once. It was around the same time Zeke was there. Maybe they


    met each other there?¡±


    ¡°That''s most likely the case,¡± Hannah nodded. ¡°Isn''t the Schneider family one of the hosts of the Grand


    Ceremony? Since Zeke knows the head, can''t he get us a ticket? I mean, if our family can participate in


    the ceremony, we''ll be reborn! We can outshine the Clemons if we get in!¡±


    ¡°You''re right! Let''s ask Zeke once we get back!¡± Daniel eximed.


    ¡°Let''s call Lacey and tell her to bring Zeke home,¡± Hannah proposed.


    Lacey and Zeke had been staying at the steel mill the past few days because Lacey''s ce was in the


    same district as the Clemons.


    The two families had been close in the past, but ever since Zeke appeared, their rtionship broke.


    Lacey was preparing a bowl of noodles in the kitchen to repay Zeke for his intervention while he waited


    in the living room, watching the television.


    ¡°It''s good to have a home.¡± Zeke smiled.


    The door suddenly opened and in came Daniel and Hannah.


    Zeke quickly got up to wee them.


    Hannah nodded, ¡°Please, have a seat.¡±


    Hannah''s tone wasn''t as forceful as before, but it wasn''t entirely weing either.


    It sounded more as if she was talking to a stranger.


    As soon as Hannah sat down, she asked, ¡°Zeke, tell me, how do you know Liam?¡±


    ¡°I helped remove his kidney stone once,¡± Zeke exined.


    ¡°I see...¡± Hannah couldn''t hide her disappointment. ¡°And here I thought you could get us some tickets


    to the Grand Ceremony.¡±


    ¡°You guys want in? I can bring you there tomorrow if you want,¡± Zeke said.


    ¡°Everyone knows the tickets have all been distributed,¡± Hannah scolded as she rolled her eyes back.


    ¡°How the heck are you going to do that?¡±


    ¡°My presence will be the exmation point of the ceremony. I won''t need a ticket.¡±


    Hannah chose to ignore Zeke and walked straight into the kitchen. ¡°Lacey, are you really trying to feed


    someone your food? Give me the pan.¡±


    Daniel threw Zeke a pack of cigarettes before he walked back into his room, sighing.


    A bowl of noodles and a pack of cigarettes. Those things were used to repay Zeke for what he had


    done for the older couple.


    Despite the insignificance of those two things, Zeke was happy with what he got as he chowed down


    on the noodles.


    Lacey tapped away on her phone, shaking her leg. She waited until Zeke finished his food and said,


    ¡°You don''t mind sleeping on the couch, right?¡±


    Zeke was about to respond but Lacey continued before he could object, ¡°It''s decided then.¡±


    Zeke stared at Lacey in silence, wondering if her parents knew just how mischievous their daughter


    was.


    ¡°Lacey, wait up,¡± Zeke called out, stopping the woman in her tracks.


    ¡°What''s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I''m going to propose to you at the ceremony tomorrow. You better be prepared.¡±


    ¡°And the tickets?¡±


    ¡°I don''t have any.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Laceyughed.


    Zeke couldn''t help but frown. What''s with thatugh?


    The man then took out his phone and messaged Lone Wolf. ¡°I''m going to propose to a normaldy at


    the ceremony tomorrow. Spread the word.¡±


    Lone Wolf replied shortly after. Noted. I''ll send someone to pick you tomorrow.


    The whole night passed by quietly.


    As soon as the sun rose the next day, Lacey was woken up by amotion outside of their house.


    She walked out of her room with her eyes still half-closed and saw her parents standing by the window


    ring outside.


    It sounded as if something had gathered in their area.


    ¡°Mom, what''s happening?¡± Lacey asked out of curiosity.


    ¡°Lacey! Come! Look! Something huge is going down!¡± Hannah eximed.


    Lacey joined her parents at the window. The moment she looked out of it; her jaw dropped.


    Outside their apartment were countless expensive cars. There were so many of them; they blocked the


    entire street.


    The most important thing was that these cars all had ck tes, meaning they belonged to the army.


    Everyone peeked out their windows to catch a glimpse of what was happening.


    ¡°Oh my God! Is there anyone alive who can move such a huge army?¡± Hannah eximed.


    ¡°I heard that the Great Marshal is going to propose to a normal girl at the ceremony today,¡± Hannah


    said. ¡°Could it be that these cars are here for that girl? To think that she''s living in the same district as


    us!¡±


    What? Lacey felt as if she was struck by a lightning and turned to look at Zeke.


    I''ll propose to you at the ceremony.


    Zeke''s words sounded in Lacey''s head.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 14

    Chapter 14


    The Great Marshal is going to propose to ady living in the district.


    A daring thought appeared in Lacey''s head.


    ¡°Zeke, don''t tell me... This is all you?¡±


    ¡°Do you like it?¡± Zeke smiled.


    ¡°I-I don''t know...¡± Lacey stuttered.


    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± both Hannah and Daniel asked.


    ¡°Dad, mom, Zeke told me he was going to propose to me at the ceremony yesterday...¡± Lacey


    exined.


    ¡°What?¡± Daniel and Hannah eximed. ¡°Are you saying... that Zeke''s the one who arranged all of


    these? Doesn''t that mean he''s...¡±


    ¡°Let''s go. We shouldn''t keep them waiting,¡± Zeke smiled as he took them down.


    The family went down with Zeke, feeling as if they were dreaming.


    None of them could believe that Zeke was the Great Marshal.


    When they walked out of the building, they noticed that the crowd had gathered around the Clemons


    family.


    ¡°Oh my God! Emily, since when did you be the marshal''s woman? I can''t believe I''m staying in the


    same district as the Great Marshal''s fianc¨¦! What an honor!¡±


    ¡°So, the army is here to drive you to the ceremony?¡±


    Emily was the center of attention; she couldn''t hide her smile.


    ¡°At first, I was wondering why the Great Marshal would invite a nobody like me to the Grand


    Ceremony,¡± Emily said. ¡°I''ve never expected that he''d actually want to propose to me at the ceremony.¡±


    ¡°Of course, the marshal would fall for you! You''re gorgeous!¡± One of the neighborsplimented.


    ¡°He''s right! How did you and the Great Marshal meet?¡± Another neighbor asked.


    ¡°You guys know my brother is in the army, don''t you?¡± Emily said. ¡°I went to visit him a few days ago


    and bumped into a young soldier there. Now that I think about it, that must have been the marshal. It


    must have been love at first sight.¡±


    The neighbors cheered even harder after that as they showered Emily withpliments.


    Lacey and her family were in awe.


    What''s happening? Are these cars here for Emily instead of Lacey?


    The way Emily described how she came to meet the Great Marshal made sense as well.


    It woke the entire Hinton family up. What followed was disappointment.


    They couldn''t believe how naive they were for thinking that Zeke was the Great Marshal.


    There was no way the Great Marshal was an ex-prisoner.


    In the end, the Hinton family concluded that Zeke must''ve heard about the Great Marshal preparing to


    propose in the district they were living in and had used the scenario to trick them.


    Hannah turned to stare at Zeke and scolded, ¡°Is it fun to y with our feelings like that? Come on,


    Lacey, let''s go back in.¡±


    Zeke waspletely speechless. When did I y with your feelings?


    It was then Emily noticed the Hinton family. She smiled coldly.


    Emily walked towards Lacey and pulled her back. ¡°Now that I think about it, I have to thank you, Lacey.


    If you did not take Zeke away from me, I would have never met the Great Marshal.¡±


    Lacey''s face reddened and she dropped her head in shame.


    Even Emily''s mom, Madeleine, made fun of Hannah as well. ¡°Weren''t you boasting that you found a


    good future son-inw? I remember he helped Daniel be the Head of the Department. So what?


    I''m going to be the director of the hospital when my daughter marries the Great Marshal! The first


    thing I''m going to do is kick Daniel out of the hospital!¡±

 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15


    Hannah was terrified and began to beg Madeleine. ¡°Wait, Madeleine... It was all a misunderstanding.¡±


    Zeke, who had remained silent the whole time, suddenly spoke. ¡°You guys are just there as mere


    servants. What''s there to be proud of?¡±


    Upon hearing that, the neighbors scolded Zeke to gain the Clemons'' favor.


    ¡°Zeke, are you jealous that we got an invitation, and you didn''t?¡± Emily snorted. ¡°Well, whatever. I still


    have to thank you for dumping me. Oh, don''t worry about missing out. I''ll make sure to take some


    pictures for you to see.¡±


    ¡°No, we¡¯ll be the ones taking pictures of you working as servants.¡± Zeke smiled.


    ¡°Yeah, right. A mere peasant like you at the ceremony? Dream on!¡± Emily scolded.


    ¡°Lacey,e on.¡± Zeke ignored Emily''s remark and turned to Lacey.


    The Hinton family quickly ran from the scene.


    ¡°Zeke, can''t you just keep your mouth shut?¡± Hannah scolded once they were far away from the crowd.


    ¡°We can''t provoke the Clemons any further. Do you want to see my whole family perish?¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry. We shouldn''t be afraid of those mere servants,¡± Zeke asserted before he walked towards


    Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    the line of ck cars. ¡°Come on. We shouldn''t keep them waiting too long.¡±


    ¡°Enough with your jokes! They will shoot us on sight if we get close to them!¡± Hannah snapped at Zeke.


    ¡°Honey, why don''t we head to the za outside the hall? We should be able to get a good spot if we


    leave now,¡± Daniel suggested.


    ¡°Right. Let''s go,¡± Hannah nodded.


    With that, the Hinton family quickly got into their own car.


    Zeke stood still with no idea on what to do.


    Without having much of a choice left, Zeke called Lone Wolf. ¡°I''ll head there on my own. You guys head


    back first.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sir!¡± Lone Wolf replied.


    On the other hand, Emily was walking towards one of the most luxurious cars with the neighbors


    following behind as if they were escorting royalty.


    Yet, before Emily could even get close to the car, the line of vehicles left.


    Emily''s face reddened as she waved at the cars to signal them to stop.


    Not one of the cars stopped.


    It was an awkward scene.


    ¡°S**t! That useless Zeke wasted our time!¡± Madeleine cursed. ¡°They told us to get ready by 9, and it''s


    already 9:10. Come on, Emily, we have to head there on our own now.¡±


    ¡°Right. Let''s go,¡± Emily nodded.


    Madeleine''s exnation made the neighbors believe that there was indeed a time limit.


    ¡°Right! You guys should hurry up!¡± One of the neighbors cried out, ¡°Remember to take some photos to


    shut the Hintons up!¡±


    ...


    Lacey and her family sped through the traffic and arrived at their destination in an hour.


    They stopped in front of the hall where the ceremony was being held.


    As soon as they got out of the car, four men in suits surrounded them.


    One of the men that looked like their leader walked up to the Hintons and offered them three tickets.


    ¡°It''s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Hinton. Here are your tickets.¡±


    What?


    The Hinton family could not believe their ears.


    This person is giving us tickets to the ceremony.


    They turned their eyes to Zeke and asked, ¡°You were serious about the whole thing?¡±

 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16


    Zeke frowned as he had not arranged for the tickets. ¡°No, we don''t need tickets to enter the ceremony.¡±


    ¡°Of course, it''s not him.¡± A man suddenlyughed.


    Everyone turned their heads, wondering who spoke.


    A young man walked out of a Benz parked not far from them.


    The man wore a branded suit and a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti dress shoes, paired with a swiss watch.


    That person was none other than Jackson Hamilton.


    Ever since his men had failed to separate Zeke and Lacey twice, he decided to do it on his own.


    Lacey''s face darkened as soon as she saw Jackson.


    ¡°You got us the tickets?¡± Hannah quickly asked.


    ¡°I heard that your family wanted to join the Grand Ceremony. So, I decided to get you some in the


    name of the Hamilton family.¡± Jackson nodded.


    ¡°Oh my! Thank you so much! This is a dreame true!¡± Hannah eximed.


    Daniel was also smiling widely, liking Jackson even more.


    Yet, Lacey wasn''t happy with it. ¡°Mom, there''s no way we can ept such an expensive gift.¡±


    Because the moment her parents took the ticket, it meant that they were epting Jackson as their


    son-inw.


    Lacey did not want to marry such a yboy.


    ¡°Are you dumb? Jackson is showing us his gratitude. How can we reject something like this?¡± Hannah


    scolded. ¡°Plus, the Clemons are out to get us. As long as we can get into the ceremony, our standings


    will definitely be higher. By then, the Clemons will have to think twice before they mess with us.¡±


    ¡°You don''t have to worry about a thing,¡± Jackson quickly assured. ¡°Emily Clemons is just a mere


    employee under the Hamilton family. She''ll have to get through me first if she wants to mess with you.¡±


    Lacey tried to argue, but Jackson stopped her. ¡°Come on, we should head in. The ceremony is about to


    start. But... I only have three extra tickets, which means this young man here can''t join us.¡±


    Jackson pointed at Zeke as he spoke.


    ¡°He''s just an outsider. Let''s just leave him here,¡± Hannah quickly said. ¡°Lacey! Come on! The clock''s


    ticking!¡±


    ¡°You know what, I think I''m going to stay here. I don''t feel so good.¡± Lacey sighed.


    ¡°Are you sure? How about I take you to the hospital?¡± Jackson offered.


    ¡°It''s fine. She can rest here. Come on, let''s go,¡± Hannah quickly stopped Jackson. She knew that there


    was no way they could change her daughter''s mind.


    ¡°I see... I''ll get the best doctor to check up on you once the ceremony is over,¡± Jackson nodded. He


    knew he would win her hand in marriage as long as he got Lacey''s parents to side with him.


    The three of them walked towards the gate as Lacey stared at them with admiration and


    disappointment.


    She had always dreamt of participating in the Grand Ceremony and see the Great Marshal in the flesh.


    Yet, the chance of her doing that slipped away just like that.


    Lacey turned to look at Zeke and said, ¡°Come on, let''s head back.¡±


    However, Zeke shook his head. ¡°No. We can''t leave yet. In a few seconds, your parents will be denied


    entry into the ceremony, and they will be in trouble. I have to protect them.¡±


    ¡°Seriously, how can you joke with such a serious face?¡± Laceyughed wryly. ¡°Whatever. It''s a waste to


    leave now since we¡¯re already here.¡±


    Lacey continued to stare at her parents.


    On the other side, Jackson sighed at the Hintons. ¡°I think Lacey doesn''t like me that much.¡±


    ¡°What? Of course, she likes you. She just doesn''t know it yet,¡± Hannah quicklyforted. ¡°I''ll talk to


    her once we get back.¡±


    ¡°You don''t have to worry about Zeke. That guy has nothing whenpared to you,¡± Daniel added.


    ¡°Zeke is more like a short-term fun for Lacey. She''ll change her mind in a few days.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Jackson let out a sigh of relief.


    Soon, they arrived at the gate. It was crowded with people who didn''t have tickets but wanted to a part


    of the excitement, nheless.


    There were also news outlets live streaming the ceremony.


    Every person who passed through the gate garnered the attention of everyone there because only


    VVIPs could get their hands on such tickets.


    Hannah and Daniel followed closely behind Jackson as they were showered with stares of admiration.


    The gate was tightly guarded with armed security.


    After handing the tickets to the guards, Jackson led the old couple in. However, they were stopped.


    ¡°Hold it! These are fakes!¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17


    ¡°Impossible! I got them through the official channel! There''s no way they¡¯re fakes!¡± Jackson eximed.


    ¡°I''m not repeating myself. Leave!¡± the guard warned.


    ¡°Wait? What''s happening?¡± Lacey, whose eyes never left her parents, panicked. ¡°They can''t get in?


    Zeke... Did you really guess it right?¡±


    ¡°I wasn''t guessing,¡± Zeke said as he pulled Lacey towards the gate. ¡°Come on, that Jackson brat is


    only going to drag your parents down with him.¡±


    Jackson continued to struggle at the gate. ¡°There must be a mistake! Do you think you can shoulder


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    the consequences of wasting my time?¡±


    The guard smiled coldly as he threw the tickets into the trash and snapped his fingers.


    A dozen guards surrounded the three people with guns pointing at their heads in an instant.


    ¡°Consequences? You''ll have to exin the fake tickets first. Do you know that forging these tickets


    warrants you a death sentence?¡±


    Reality struck the three of them instantly as they realized they were about to be killed.


    ¡°W-wait!¡± Jackson yelled as he pointed at Daniel and his wife. ¡°I-it''s them! They told me they got their


    hands on the tickets and asked me to join them! I''m innocent!¡±


    The Hinton couple couldn''t believe their ears as they stared at Jackson angrily. This young man is


    using us to shield himself.


    ¡°Y-you ba****d! You tricked us!¡± Hannah roared.


    Lacey witnessed the whole incident and cursed Jackson. She quickly ran to her parents and said,


    ¡°Wait! I can prove their innocence! The tickets belonged to that man over there!¡±


    ¡°This is their daughter! She''s just covering for them!¡± Jacksonughed hysterically.


    ¡°Funny. It''s their honor to have us here. We don''t need no tickets,¡± Zeke suddenly said.


    ¡°What? Are you humiliating the Great Marshal? Apprehend them!¡± Jackson yelled.


    Lacey and her parents turned pale. They couldn''t believe Zeke was still putting up with his act.


    But the reaction from the guards shook the whole crowd.


    The guard saluted Zeke and said, ¡°Mr. Williams, Ms. Hinton. I apologize for themotion! Please,


    proceed through the gate.¡±


    Zeke turned to look at Daniel and Hannah. ¡°They''re with me as well.¡±


    The guard then saluted towards the older couple. ¡°Sir, ma''am, I apologize for the misunderstanding.


    Please, you may proceed.¡±


    The crowd stared at Zeke and the Hintons so hard; their eyeballs almost fell out of their sockets.


    Not only did the guard forgive Zeke for his remark, but Zeke and his partners were able to pass through


    without a single ticket.


    All the crowd could think of was Zeke''s true identity.


    ¡°Come on, let''s go,¡± Zeke smiled.


    The Hinton family followed Zeke through the gate, feeling dumbfounded.


    The guard then turned to look at Jackson and ordered, ¡°Take him and wait for further instruction.¡±


    Jackson could only stare at the guard nkly as he wet his pants.


    ¡°W-wait... I''m innocent... You can''t...¡±


    Yet, before Jackson could oppose further, the guard pped him.


    The guard stared at Jackson angrily and scolded the man internally.


    Heck! Even if you¡¯re innocent, there''s nothing you can do when you have angered the Great Marshal. If


    he orders you to die, you will have to die.

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18


    The Hinton family walked into the luxurious hall. It was filled with people that they''d only seen on TVs


    and the news. It felt as if they were in a dream.


    It was then that Lacey realized Zeke was not putting up an act.


    ¡°Zeke... S-seriously, what the heck is all this?¡± Lacey asked in a trembling voice.


    Both Daniel and Hannah alsoid their eyes on Zeke.


    ¡°You''ll know soon,¡± Zeke smiled as he believed the Hinton family should be able to guess his identity


    once he proposed.


    Seeing that Zeke wasn''t going toe clean; Hannah and her husband chose not to question him any


    further.


    All the older couple could feel at that moment was regret, as Zeke was much more reliable than


    Jackson Hamilton.


    They couldn''t believe how stupid they were to try and please Jackson and ignore Zeke instead.


    The only question that remained was how Zeke managed to enter the ceremony without a ticket.


    Could he be the Great Marshal? But... There''s just no way the Great Marshal was once a convict,


    right?


    ¡°What? Zeke Williams! How the heck did you get in here?¡± A voice shouted.


    The Hintons and Zeke turned. It was Emily and her mother.


    ¡°Is there a rule that says we can''t?¡± Lacey asked.


    ¡°Your presence here is a humiliation to the ceremony,¡± Emily snorted.


    ¡°Oh, right! I remember that the ceremony was hiring servants! They must''ve got the job,¡± Madeleine


    recalled.


    ¡°I see!¡± Emilyughed. ¡°It''s normal for a whole family to work as servants.¡±


    ¡°I can''t imagine how stupid you must be to not understand the position you''re currently in.¡± Zeke


    frowned.


    ¡°Position my ass! It''s simple. We''re the masters and you''re the servants,¡± Emily chuckled. ¡°Hannah! Go


    get me some coffee. Milk, no sugar!¡±


    ¡°You know what, Lacey, take my phone.¡± Zekeughed and gave his phone to Lacey. ¡°Remember to


    take photos of them serving people and send them to the group chat. We shouldn''t enjoy that view


    ourselves.¡±


    Lacey quickly nodded. Even though she did not believe that the Clemons were at the ceremony as


    servants, Zeke''s words were a pleasure to hear.


    ¡°You! Just you wait! The Great Marshal is going to propose to meter!¡± Emily roared. ¡°I''ll have your


    family buried by then!¡±


    Hannah and Daniel could not hide their worries when they heard what Emily had said. Both of them


    stared at Zeke, warning him not to anger Emily even more.


    Suddenly, the light dimmed, and the music grew louder in the hall.


    ¡°Quiet down!¡± someone ordered through the microphone.


    The noise lessened and the crowd shifted their attention to the stage.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    Emily moved her finger through her throat at Lacey and warned, ¡°The Great Marshal is going to


    propose to me soon! That will be your end!¡±


    Lacey''s face turned pale, but Zeke grabbed her hand to give herfort.


    Lone Wolf appeared on the stage as the host. His tall figure and serious face were enough to scare any


    crowd.


    Lone Wolf scanned the people before he started to address. ¡°To tell you the truth, the Great Marshal


    never wanted to host the Grand Comeback Ceremony, but your passion has moved him. He decided to


    honor that tonight. But, as you all know, the Great Marshal doesn''t like to make public appearances...


    Well, unless you are his enemy. That is why he won''t appear in front of everyone today. But the Great


    Marshal still wants to thank all of you for attending this ceremony.


    Even though the crowd could not meet the marshal, not a lot of them were disappointed as they had


    predicted it. Being able to join the ceremony was already more than they could ever ask for.


    ¡°The Great Marshal only has one agenda today,¡± Lone Wolf continued. ¡°And that is to propose to his


    future wife.¡±

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19


    ¡°Let us offer our blessings to the Great Marshal and his fianc¨¦!¡±


    As soon as Lone Wolf finished his speech, the crowd exploded into cheers. Everyone was eager to see


    who the luckydy was.


    An army, armed with swords and dressed in uniforms, walked down the stage and into the crowd. All of


    them had gifts in their hands.


    The gift boxes were all made from pure gold and decorated with pearls and diamonds.


    The crowd couldn''t help but wonder what kind of gifts were inside the boxes as the boxes could be


    considered as gifts themselves.


    With Lone Wolf in the lead, the army walked towards Emily and Lacey who they stood together.


    Emily''s face was already covered in tears, while Lacey''s face was in despair.


    The moment the Great Marshal proposed was the moment the Hinton family perished.


    Without giving much thought, Lacey tried to hide. Zeke stopped her immediately. ¡°Don''t move.¡±


    Lacey turned and stared at Zeke furiously.


    What? Do you want me to suffer embarrassment?


    Lone Wolf stopped a meter away from bothdies and saluted.


    ¡°Please, ept these gifts from the Great Marshal himself.¡±


    Emily looked at the gifts and thought of herself as the happiest woman ever.


    ¡°T-thank you...¡± Emily replied with her shaky voice.


    Lone Wolf frowned and stared at Emily. ¡°Who the hell are you? Get lost!¡±


    ¡°W-what?¡± Emily couldn''t believe her ears.


    ¡°Everyone must remain a meter away from the Great Marshal¡¯s fianc¨¦, except for the Great Marshal


    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    himself!¡± Lone Wolf pushed Emily away.


    Emily waspletely stunned as she realized she wasn¡¯t the woman the marshal was going to


    propose to.


    A-a meter away?


    Emily looked around her. There was only one person standing a meter away from Lone Wolf.


    The woman that was being proposed to was Lacey.


    That realization turned Emily''s world upside down.


    Lacey waspletely stunned. She turned to look at Emily and then at Lone Wolf.


    Her surprised expression is so cute. Zeke chuckled.


    Lacey thought she was dreaming, or to be more precise, she couldn''t ept the truth.


    Lone Wolf saluted her again. ¡°Mrs. Marshal, please ept the gifts. One Rolls Royce, one manor, 888


    million in cash, and 50 kilos worth of jewels.¡±


    Lacey stared at him, speechless.


    The crowd couldn''t help but exim as each of the gifts was worth millions.


    Lacey shivered as she pointed at herself. ¡°You... you mean me?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Lone Wolf nodded.


    Lacey could not believe her ears, while Daniel fell to the floor, grasping his chest. The older man was


    having a heart attack, which wasn''t a huge surprise...


    Zeke quickly fed Daniel a miracle pill to help with the heart attack.


    Instead of worrying about her husband, Hannah just stared at Lacey with tears in her eyes. In just an


    instant, her family had risen from the ashes to the highest point.


    ¡°Lacey! Say yes!¡± Hannah cried.


    Yet, Lacey did not give her reply.


    The Great Marshal who could face thousands of armies without changing his expression grew worried.


    Lone Wolf and the army were more anxious than Zeke himself.


    ¡°Why did the Great Marshal suddenly propose to a stranger like me?¡± Lacey suddenly asked.

 Chapter 20

    Chapter 20


    ¡°10 years ago, the Great Marshal was penniless and homeless. It was you who gave him a coat and a


    jade pendant as afort,¡± Lone Wolf exined. ¡°That was how the Great Marshal came to be.¡±


    ¡°I see! That was him? I''ve never thought that he would be the Great Marshal!¡± Lacey eximed.


    ¡°But please tell the Great Marshal that we aren''t suited to be together...¡±


    Everyone could not believe their ears.


    Lacey has just rejected the Great Marshal''s marriage proposal.


    ¡°May I know the reason?¡± Lone Wolf asked.


    ¡°The Great Marshal is proposing to me because he feels like he owes me. I''m not looking forward to a


    marriage without love,¡± Lacey exined. ¡°To be frank, we aren''t living in the same world either. Plus, I


    already have a husband.¡±


    Lacey turned to look at Zeke.


    Lone Wolf wanted to say something, but Zeke stopped him with a re.


    ¡°I-I see... Then, we shall respect Ms. Hinton''s decision,¡± Lone Wolf said and signaled the army to


    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    retreat. ¡°Honored guests, please, enjoy your meal.¡±


    The crowd finally quieted down and sat down respectively.


    As Madeleine and Emily quietly sat down, Lone Wolf stared at them and scolded, ¡°What the hell are


    you two doing? Join the servants! How dare you try to sit with these VIPs?¡±


    Emily and Madeleine could not hide their embarrassment. Zeke was right again.


    They stumbled into the corner and joined the other servants.


    ¡°Lacey, why did you reject the marshal?¡± Zeke asked after they were seated.


    ¡°I''m just a normal citizen. There''s no way I''m a match for someone as special as the Great Marshal,¡±


    Lacey exined. ¡°Plus, I don''t think I can get used to such an extravagant life.¡±


    Zeke couldn''t help but smile warmly.


    Special? Fine. I''ll make you into a special woman first. Not used to an extravagant life? Then I''ll make


    your business sessful first!


    The servants began to serve the food. Perhaps it was God''s doing, but both Emily and Madeleine were


    assigned to the table where the Hintons were seated.


    Emily took a huge hit due to the sudden changes in their status.


    And now, she still had to serve the Hinton family. It was so embarrassing; Emily even thought of dying.


    Hannah wasn''t going to let the chance slip by. She quickly took her phone out and took pictures of the


    Clemons.


    Emily and her mother were furious, but they couldn''t do anything about it.


    The ceremony ended in a few hours.


    As soon as the Hintons were out of the hall, Hannah scolded Lacey. ¡°Seriously... How can you be so


    dumb? Are you trying to kill me?¡±


    ¡°It''s not toote to ept the marshal''s proposal,¡± Daniel added. ¡°This is the only chance for our family


    to shine.¡±


    Lacey only nodded silently.


    ¡°Don''t worry, I can make you guys sessful even without the name of the Great Marshal,¡± Zeke said.


    ¡°You? You darepare yourself to the marshal?¡± Daniel scolded. ¡°Did you forget you''re working for


    Lacey? You don''t even have the position to say that.''


    ¡°I see! The reason we get to enter the Grand Ceremony was all because of Lacey. You dare to take all


    the credit?¡± Hannah scolded Zeke. ¡°I''m warning you. You''ll have to go back to whichever ditch you


    came from if Lacey decides to marry the marshal! Let''s go!¡±


    The older couple walked to their car as Lacey looked at Zeke with mixed feelings.


    The woman could tell that things weren''t as simple as they seemed.

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21


    The Hintons and Clemons both arrived back at their district around the same time.


    The whole neighborhood was waiting to wee Emily back to try and get on her good side.


    All of them thought that Emily had be the wife of the Great Marshal. As Emily got out of her car,


    the neighbors quickly surrounded her and cheered.


    One of the neighbors who had always hated Hannah cheered the loudest.


    ¡°Emily, how did the proposal go? You saw the Great Marshal, right? He must be so dreamy!¡± The


    neighborplimented while sneaking a stare at Hannah. ¡°I told you, you''re the only person who''s


    gorgeous enough to marry the marshal. I''m right, aren''t I? Luckily some idiot took your ex away from


    you!¡±


    Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    Emily did not say anything and ran back home instead.


    ¡°I can''t believe how a person can be so stupid,¡± Hannah smirked. ¡°Take a look at the mirror before you


    try to suck up to someone else.¡±


    ¡°What the hell are you talking about?¡± The neighbor scolded. ¡°So what if I''m sucking up to the


    Clemons? It''ll all be worth it! As for you, your end is near!¡±


    ¡°Oh? That''s funny. Let''s see who is going to meet her end soon,¡± Hannahughed and sent the few


    pictures she took at the ceremony to themunity''s group chat.


    Notification tones rang throughout the crowd.


    The neighbors retrieved their phones, their eyes widening as the photos had been clearly taken from


    inside the ceremony. It proved that Hannah and her family had been invited.


    Yet, that wasn''t the main point. The pictures showed the Hintons sitting at the VVIP table while the


    Clemons worked as servants to the Hintons.


    There was even a picture where a colonel saluted to Lacey with priceless gifts behind him.


    The crowd exploded. Zeke was right about the Clemons being invited to the ceremony as servants!


    The woman the Great Marshal had nned to propose to was Lacey.


    The neighbors quickly surrounded the Hintons and began to tter the family as they cursed at the


    Clemons.


    As for the neighbor who hated Hannah, her face turned so pale that she almost fainted. It took the


    woman some time to regain her posture before trying to suck up to Hannah like everyone else.


    ¡°Hannah, I''m so sorry! My eyes were blind! Please forgive my rudeness! Look at you and your beautiful


    daughter! I''m so jealous of you! The Clemons are nothing more than mere servants to you.¡±


    Hannah went back home with a huge grin on her face. But before she went into her house, she took


    out a hundred-dor bill and gave it to Zeke. ¡°Go and get us some food. We''re celebrating tonight!¡±


    Hannah then pulled her daughter back home and mmed the door behind Zeke.


    Zeke was dumbfounded as Hannah had just asked the Great Marshal to go and prepare food for


    dinner.


    Yet, Zeke had no choice but to do as he was told.


    As for Daniel and Hannah, they kept trying to persuade their daughter to rethink her decision.


    As soon as Zeke walked out of the district, he got a call from Lone Wolf.


    ¡°Marshal, what should we do with Jackson?¡±

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22


    Zeke thought for a moment before giving out his order. ¡°Let him go. I still need to take the Hamilton


    Group from him and give it to Lacey. It''s time for her to live an extravagant life or else she''s going to


    reject me again. Another thing, station ten thousand soldiers in Oakheart City. They mighte in


    handy when we want to take the other families down.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sir!¡± Lone Wolf replied.


    As soon as Jackson returned to his mansion, he got a visit from Emily.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Jackson questioned Emily impatiently.


    ¡°Are you going to let Zeke off the hook?¡± Emily asked. ¡°I have a n to bring him down.¡±


    ¡°Oh? Tell me.¡±


    ¡°Didn''t you know that Lacey got a huge deal with the Schneider family recently? They need to produce


    a huge amount of metal,¡± Emily exined. ¡°ording to my sources, Lacey still owes the supplier a lot


    of money. If we ask the supplier to stop supplying the mill unless she pays, the factory will shut down in


    two days. This will affect the Schneiders'' doing their business, which will anger them. Zeke wille


    running to beg for your help by then.¡±


    ¡°Heck, you sure are one scary woman,¡± Jackson eximed. ¡°I happen to know the supplier. This will be


    a piece of cake. But... Wouldn''t the Great Marshal stop us if we try to harm Lacey?¡±


    ¡°You don''t have to worry about that,¡± Emily smiled. ¡°You know that my brother is in the army, right? He


    called me just now and told me the whole army has learned that Lacey has rejected the Great Marshal;


    they''re furious. My brother even warned me to stay away from her. Let''s see how the Great Marshal is


    going to protect her now.¡±


    ¡°Shit! That''s why I was released!¡± Jackson sighed. ¡°I''ll take care of this right away! Zeke and Lacey,


    both of you are so dead!¡±


    ...


    Zeke was woken up by a loud voice early morning the next day.


    ¡°Listen! Someone has just sent ten thousand soldiers into our city!¡± Daniel eximed.


    ¡°Something big might go down soon!¡± Hannah guessed. ¡°Why else would anyone deploy that many


    soldiers during such a peaceful time.¡±


    Zeke stared at Lacey affectionately. They''re here for you.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    Lacey''s phone suddenly rang. After she''d answered it, her face turned pale.


    ¡°Lacey? What''s wrong?¡± Zeke quickly asked.


    ¡°Something happened at the factory!¡± Lacey replied before she left in a hurry.


    Zeke frowned and called the richest man in all of Oakheart City, Evan Schneider.


    ¡°Find out what''s happening with Lacey''s factory.¡±


    Zeke couldn¡¯t believe he would be able to use the soldiers so soon.


    As soon as the call hung up, Evan ordered his men to investigate the matter.

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23


    Evan Schneider was the richest man in all of Oakheart City, a person who had an influence in every


    corner of the city.


    Evan called Zeke back in just five minutes.


    ¡°The supplier stopped supplying products to the factory because they haven''t been paid yet. If no one


    helps Lacey now, the factory might go bankrupt. Initial report suggests that Jackson is behind it,¡± Evan


    reported.


    Zeke couldn''t help butugh.


    I didn''t even have to do anything for them to make their move. Good, I''ll use this chance to take the


    Hamilton family down.


    ¡°Stay put and await further instruction,¡± Zeke ordered Evan.


    ...


    Lacey stared at the dozens of legal documents in front of her at the steel mill.


    The contents of the documents were mostly ordering her to pay the supplier, or they would bring the


    matter to court.


    However, most of the steel mill''s capital had been spent on the deal with the Schneider family. There


    was no way they could pay the supplier


    Without many choices left, Lacey could only go and negotiate with the supplier.


    The atmosphere in the meeting room was heavy.


    All the suppliers of the steel mill had gathered together.


    Smoke from cigarettes filled the room, causing Lacey to cough violently.


    ¡°I don''t get it. Why do you want to cancel the contract?¡± Lacey asked.


    ¡°Because you¡¯ve offended someone you shouldn''t.¡± Darren Collins, the representative of the suppliers,


    ¡°Offended someone?¡± Lacey frowned. ¡°Jackson Hamilton? It must be him. Does that ba****d want me


    dead?¡±


    ¡°Let''s cut to the chase,¡± Darren smiled. ¡°Either you go and beg Mr. Hamilton for forgivenesss or pay us


    now.¡±


    There was no way Lacey was going to beg Jackson. ¡°Please, give me some time. You must''ve heard


    that we just got a deal with the Schneider family. As soon as weplete the contract with them, our


    factory''s production rate will definitely skyrocket. By then, I''ll buy the supplies from you at twice the


    price. This will benefit both of us.¡±


    ¡°As I said, cut the crap. You better pay us now.¡± Darren ignored Lacey''s suggestion.


    ¡°Fine! I''ll go get a loan from the bank to pay you!¡± Lacey scolded. ¡°But you better not regret your


    decision!¡±


    ¡°Regret my ass! Go get me my money!¡± Darren scoffed.


    Lacey left the meeting roompletely frustrated and was ready to head to the bank. She called her


    mother for her bank card on her way there.


    Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    The family had a million left from the deposit the Schneider family had paid them. It was kept in


    Hannah''s bank ount.


    Lacey needed the money for the emergency.

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24


    Hannah panicked after she got Lacey''s call. The older woman quickly grabbed her card and left for the


    bank.


    ¡°Do you still have the card I gave you?¡± Zeke asked.


    When Lacey had gotten the five million from the Schneider family, Hannah wanted to deposit the


    money herself. Zeke had given her his Bauhinia Royal card so she could skip the line.


    ¡°What''s the point? Can it help us get the loan?¡± Hannah scolded.


    ¡°It mighte in handy,¡± Zeke exined.


    ¡°Fine!¡± Hannah sighed.


    Both of them arrived at the bank not long after.


    Zeke was surprised to see Lily Hinton at the bank as well.


    Lacey was begging Lily to help her. Thetter didn''t budge despite Lacey''s pleas.


    ¡°Sh*t!¡± Hannah cursed. ¡°Lily¡¯s the lobby manager here. There''s no way she''s going to help Lacey,


    especially after what happened at the party.¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry, we don''t need the loan,¡± Zekeforted. ¡°The card I gave you should be enough to help


    Lacey.¡±


    Hannah turned to re at Zeke angrily. There was no way she would believe him, as she still thought


    of Zeke as someone who couldn''t even give three hundred thousand as a wedding gift.


    Lily raised her head even higher when she saw Hannah and Zeke.


    ¡°Oh my, why¡¯s my aunt here as well? Isn''t your son-inw someone who can scare the director of the


    bureau? He should be able to help you!¡± Lily mocked. After what had happened at the hotel, Lily


    investigated Zeke and learned that he''d help cure the director.


    There was no reason for Lily to be afraid of Zeke.


    ¡°What? Him? He''s no one,¡± Hannahughed awkwardly. ¡°Plus, he''s not my son-inw yet. Even if he


    is, we¡¯re a family, which makes us closer, doesn''t it?¡±


    Lily looked at Zeke hysterically before turning back to address Hannah. ¡°Well, since Aunt Hannah is


    Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    begging me, I guess I have no choice but to help. I can lend you a five million loan first, but the interest


    you will have to give me is thirty percent.¡±


    Lacey frowned instantly. Lending money from a loan shark would be better than having to pay a thirty


    percent interest!


    ¡°Please, Lily, thirty percent is too much. Can''t you lower it a little? Just think of it as me owing you a


    favor...¡± Lacey begged.


    ¡°And why should I do that?¡± Lily snorted. ¡°My ex lost his job because of you! Thirty percent!¡±


    Lacey''s face turned pale. ¡°B-but... Fine... Thirty percent...¡±


    Before Lacey could agree to it, Zeke scolded, ¡°Isn''t it your job to help us apply for our loan? How dare


    you ask for a thirty percent interest to yourself? You''re an insult to the banking industry! Call your


    manager out! I want to have a talk with him!¡±

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25


    Zeke''s voice was loud enough to attract everyone''s attention.


    ¡°B-bullshit! Since when did I ask for that?¡± Lily refuted as her face turned pale. ¡°How dare you frame


    me! ording to the rules, I won''t be approving the loan!¡±


    Lacey and Hannah were speechless. They couldn''t believe Zeke had suddenly butted in once they


    were about to close a deal.


    ¡°Zeke! What the hell are you doing?¡± Lacey cried.


    Even Hannah tried to push Zeke, but he remained unmoved.


    ¡°You ba****d! Are you trying to bankrupt my daughter?¡± Hannah yelled.


    ¡°Forget about the loan,¡± Zeke said. ¡°Take the purple card I gave you. There should be enough money in


    there to help Lacey.¡±


    ¡°Like you have any money!¡± Hannah roared. ¡°You don''t even have a few hundred thousand!¡±


    ¡°Mom''s right! We need five million!¡± Lacey cried out angrily. ¡°Your money won''t be enough!¡±


    Lacey also believed that Zeke wouldn''t have more than three hundred thousand in his ount.


    ¡°Just give her the card,¡± Zeke repeated.


    Hannah thought of begging Lily, but thetter just snatched the card away.


    ¡°Let''s see how much this poor asshole has! I hope you have enough to help Lacey!¡± Lilyughed. ¡°If


    not, you better get down on all fours and beg me for my help!¡±


    Lily then walked to one of the counters and ordered the banker, ¡°Withdraw all the money from this.¡±


    Hannah turned to stare at Zeke furiously. ¡°You better do anything Lily asks of youter! If Lacey really


    goes bankrupt because of you, you''re dead!¡±


    But Zeke only smiled at Lacey, ¡°Is one hundred million enough?¡±


    Zeke''s words made everyoneugh. Not one of them had seen such a person who could boast as


    Zeke did.


    Lacey was speechless. Instead of replying Zeke, she walked towards the counter.


    The banker swiftly processed the card. The moment the numbers appeared on the screen; her face


    turned absolutely pale.


    One, two, three, four... There are eight zeroes here! There¡¯s actually a hundred million in this ount!


    The banker waspletely petrified.


    ¡°What are you spacing out for? Take the money out!¡± Lily ordered.


    ¡°S-Sir... how much do you want to withdraw?¡± the banker asked Zeke.


    ¡°Just withdraw all of it!¡± Lily scolded.


    ¡°But... our bank doesn''t have enough cash lying around,¡± the banker stuttered.


    The bank they were at was a sub-branch, which meant that they only had the power to move around


    ten million a day.


    ¡°Not enough?¡± Lily couldn''t believe her ears. ¡°Are you kidding me?¡±


    The banker turned the screen around and showed Lily. ¡°There''s a hundred million in this ount!¡±


    What?


    Lily jumped the moment she saw the screen.


    Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    A-A hundred million... Where did he get the money?

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26


    The hall was suddenly hushed into silence. Everyone looked at Zeke in shock.


    One hundred million. Turns out this unassuming young man''s a billionaire.


    Thinking of the way they had ridiculed him just a while ago, the crowd felt embarrassed.


    Hannah Lawson and Lacey exchanged nces. Their eyes spoke volumes tooplicated to express


    in words.


    Zeke was indifferent as he said, ¡°Please get the cash for me, thank you. I''m in a hurry.¡±


    Lily quickly recovered from the shock and asked, ¡°Lacey, Zeke, you need five million, right?¡±


    ¡°I''ll just get five million for you first.¡±


    Zeke replied, ¡°As you said earlier, get us the whole sum.¡±


    Lily turned beet red.


    Firstly, the cash avable in the bank was way below one hundred million.


    Even if there was enough, they could not let him withdraw the whole sum.


    That would seriously affect the performance of this particr branch and could even affect the stock


    exchange of the head office.


    As the junior manager in this branch, she was in no position to shoulder such a huge responsibility.


    She smiled bitterly, ¡°Zeke, Lacey, I beg you. Please do not make things difficult for me. You cannot use


    so much cash even if you can take it now. Besides, it would be a problem to keep that much cash on


    hand.¡±


    Zeke sneered, ¡°I can take all of it and set it on fire fun. How is that of any concern to you?¡±


    Burn a hundred million in cash... he must be joking!


    Lily pleaded with them desperately, but Zeke remained indifferent.


    Feeling helpless, she called the general manager for help.


    When the general manager arrived, he, too, tried to pacify Zeke.


    ¡°Mr. Williams, we''ve neglected you before. That was our fault, so I will surely grant you an appropriate


    redress. I can''t call the shots for a withdrawal of such a huge amount, so why don''t we head up to the


    VIP room and talk about it?¡±


    Zeke sneered, ¡°Talk? You''re not in any position to talk to me. This card Rogers gave me, is it really that


    hard to withdraw 100 million from it?¡±


    Rogers? The boss of International Financial Bank?


    The General Manager suddenly remembered something and hurriedly asked the teller, ¡°Where''s Mr.


    Williams'' bank card? Let me see it.¡±


    The teller quickly showed the purple bank card to the general manager.


    After one nce, the General Manager''s mind was blown away.


    It was the Bauhinia Royal Card!


    It was limited to only 99 copies worldwide.


    Each one was in the hands of princes and nobles.


    Even the richest man in China wasn''t eligible for it.


    The person in front of him wasn''t just wealthy. He must hold a very unique and highly respected


    position to be able to obtain this card.


    Heavens! How did my little branch offend such a great god!


    The General Manager did not dare sprout nonsense and said quickly, ¡°Mr. Williams, please wait a


    moment. I will arrange the withdrawal for you now.¡±


    With that, he entered an office nearby and dialed the number of the boss at the head office.


    ¡°Boss, send over a hundred million in cash immediately. There''s no room for negotiation... to be


    precise, we''re in no position to talk to this customer. The reason is that this man holds the Bauhinia


    Royal Card... if we offend him, we might as well forget about establishing a bank.¡±


    After hanging up, he took a few deep breaths to collect himself before heading out.


    As he approached Zeke, he bowed respectfully. ¡°I''m sorry for the long wait, Mr. Williams. The cash is


    being sent over as we speak.¡±


    Zeke nodded his head coldly before he cast a nce at Lily, who was standing nearby.


    The general manager understood the meaning behind his gaze at once. Hemanded, ¡°Lily, please


    get out. Our bank does not need staff like you. From now on, you will be cklisted. You will not be


    allowed to work in any financial institution.¡±


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    What!


    Lily Hinton was shocked.


    Even if Zeke had a hundred million, that was no reason for the general manager to cut her off from the


    entire banking industry.


    Could it be that this guy isn''t just rich? Does he hold some special position?


    However... how can that be possible? He''s just a piece of trash who''s been incarcerated before, a


    useless son-inw.


    Lily approached Lacey and begged her pitifully, ¡°Lacey, I''m sorry. I apologize to you. We''re family. You


    can''t do this to me! Please give me another chance...¡±

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27


    Lacey felt sympathetic towards her and was about to agree when Zeke sneered, ¡°It''s strange. Just


    moments ago, you forgot I was family when I was ordered you to kneel. Lacey, let''s go to the VIP room


    and wait.¡±


    With that, Zeke took Lacey and Hannah away.


    Lily Hinton stumbled out of the bank, feeling lost and confused.


    She turned around to take another look at the building. The longing in her eyes turned into vicious


    cruelty.


    ¡°Damn, why are you always ahead of me in everything! I will not ept this willingly. That one hundred


    million belongs to my whole family. You shall not take it for yourself.¡±


    A hideous smile appeared at the corners of her mouth as an evil n began to form in her mind.


    In the VIP room, both Hannah and Lacey looked at Zeke, trying to read him.


    Zeke felt ufortable under this type of scrutiny. ¡°Lacey, do you have something to ask me?¡±


    Lacey nodded. There were so many questions she wanted to ask.


    However, before she could open her mouth, Hannah spoke first, ¡°Zeke,e on, have a sip of tea.¡±


    ¡°Aunt... I mean, mom wants to ask you, where did this one hundred millione from?¡±


    Zeke replied, ¡°The Schneider family gave it to me.¡±


    Despite the Bauhinia Royal Card itself having an overdraft limit of one hundred million, Evan Schneider


    had still insisted on giving him a spending allowance of that amount.


    As far as Zeke was concerned, one hundred million was just pocket money. He was free to spend it on


    anything he wanted.


    Lacey pped her forehead as she came to a sudden realization. ¡°The Schneider family paid the full


    payment for their order in advance.¡±


    Zeke neither agreed nor disagreed with her statement.


    This one hundred million has nothing to do with that order... it''s for me to personally spend on...


    He was about to exin when Hannah smiled bitterly, ¡°I suspected you were some low-key anonymous


    rich man. I was really confused.¡±


    Zeke was silent.


    You aren''t confused. Your suspicions are correct!


    Lacey looked at Zeke questioningly, ¡°This money is really the money the Schneider family gave me?


    We have no deals with the Schneider family. Why would they care for us so well?¡±


    Hannah Lawson suddenly remembered something and hurriedly said, ¡°Lacey, I recall there was a


    rumor that the Schneider family''s also under the Great Marshal''s control. The Great Marshal is surely


    still in love with you and has instructed the Schneider family to take special care of you. If that''s true,


    then it isn''t surprising that the Schneider family would pay in advance for the order.¡±


    Lacey nodded her head thoughtfully, though she was not totally convinced.


    It was not long before the one hundred million in cash was delivered.


    Three fully loaded armed escort vehicles were required.


    Hannah Lawson had mentally prepared herself, but at the sight of so much cash, her breathing


    quickened. She was shaken.


    These were fortunes ordinary people could not hope to earn in a few lifetimes. Yet, it now all belonged


    to the Hinton family.


    Due to the huge amount of money, the bank had personally sent escorts to transport the cash.


    On the way back to the factory, Hannah was sobbing.


    ¡°Sess, after working hard all of my life, finally, sess is here...¡±


    Zeke said nothing, feeling helpless.


    It''s nothing more than my pocket money. You''re overreacting.


    If I had shown you my true wealth, you would have died of shock.


    I guess not revealing my true identity from the start was the right thing to do.


    ...


    In the steel mill, the suppliers headed by Darren Collins were starting to be impatient after waiting for


    so long.


    Upon seeing Lacey, everybody surged forward and surrounded her.


    ¡°Ma''am, I think you might as well give up. How can you get a few million in cash, just like that? It''s no


    small feat! I advise you to hurry up and look for Mr. Hamilton. Bow and apologize to him for your


    mistake. That''ll save us a lot of trouble.¡±


    Before Lacey could speak, Zeke stood in front of her. ¡°I''ll give you onest chance. If you''re still


    stubborn now, we won''t relent when you beg uster.¡±


    ¡°Pfft!¡± The suppliers couldn''t help butugh, ¡°Do you have a bigger head than others or a thicker neck?


    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Beg you? Why should we beg you?¡±

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28


    Upon hearing these words, Zeke made a gesture with his hands.


    Three fully loaded armed escort vehicles drove into the factory. The escorts opened the back doors of


    the vehicles when they came to a stop.


    Oh, my goodness!


    The sound of shocked exmations filled the air.


    Money!


    Colourful currency notes are filled in all three vehicles!


    That... That has to be at least one hundred million!


    Lacey''s factory was only worth one million at most. Where did this one hundred millione from?


    They seemed to have lost a big client.


    Remembering Jackson Hamilton''s promise, they suppressed their feelings of regret.


    Darren put on a fake smile, ¡°Ma''am, I''ve underestimated you before. Nevertheless, do not think you


    canpete with the Hamilton family with this mere one hundred million. Boys, let''s take the money


    and leave.¡±


    Zeke stopped them. ¡°Stay right where you are. You can take the money, but only after we''re clear about


    the contracts.¡±


    With that, Zeke took out a few contracts from the car and handed them to Darren.


    ¡°The supply contract clearly states that you will provide us with one million tons of raw material before


    tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°If you cannot deliver it on time, you will pay damages for breaking the contract or mortgage your


    factory to us.


    Darrenughed scornfully, ¡°Haha! With a few sheets of paper, you believe you can threaten us? Don''t


    even think about it.¡±


    ¡°Even if you kneel and beg, we won''t supply anything to you. You will dy the Schneider family


    project... then you can sit it out in prison.¡±


    As he spoke, Darren stretched out his hand to snatch the money.


    Zeke suddenly shot out a leg, sending him flying with a single kick.


    His footnded heavily on Darren''s tummy.


    His 120 kg body flew straight up like a kite with a broken string. He hit the wall and fell to the ground.


    Darren spat out a mouthful of blood. He clutched his chest, screaming, ¡°My rib... My rib''s broken...¡±


    Huh!


    Everyone in the crowd began to panic.


    Lunatic, this man must be a lunatic. He just assaulted a man over one simple disagreement!


    Furthermore, with just one kick, Darren Collins who weighed 120 kg was sent flying,nding with


    broken ribs.


    How could this guy be so powerful? ... Could a human exert so much strength?


    The group of suppliers were shocked. They dared not say a word.


    Zeke threatened, ¡°Remember, deliver the one million tonnes of raw material tomorrow or pay the


    Darren Collins endured his pain, shouting angrily, ¡°Zeke, you''ll pay for this, you''re going to die! Just you


    wait! I''ll send someone after you tonight!¡±


    Zeke just ignored him. Taking Lacey''s hand, he said, ¡°Lacey, let''s go.¡±


    Once they were at a distance, the group of suppliers gathered around Darren.


    ¡°Collins, you''re okay, aren''t you?¡±


    Darren Collins gritted his teeth. ¡°I''m contacting my henchmen this instant. I want that ba****d dead.¡±


    Lacey returned to her own office and mmed the door shut with a bang.


    She rebuked him, ¡°Zeke, you were reckless just now! Everyone knows Darren''s involved with triads. If


    gangsters really show up, there''ll be trouble.¡±


    Zeke simply smiled.


    I control the national machine of power, the army.


    Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    In the face of the state''s machine of power, the gangsters stand no chance.


    ¡°Do not worry. He''s an insignificant character. He cannot do much.¡±


    ¡°An insignificant character?¡± Lacey rubbed her temples as if she were having a headache. ¡°Who''s


    given you such blind courage? You don''t seem to care about triads. These few days, you''ve got to be


    on the lookout. Furthermore, you''ve really offended the suppliers this time. They surely won''t deliver


    any supplies to us now. Without the raw materials, how will we fill the Schneider family''s order? Oh,


    troubles nevere singly.¡±


    Zeke took a slow sip of tea. ¡°Perhaps, they''ll mortgage their factories to us tomorrow.¡±


    Lacey rolled her eyes, ¡°You''re daydreaming. They''ll only mortgage their factories to us if their brains


    turn to mush.¡±


    She ignored Zeke and took out her mobile phone, trying to contact new suppliers.

 Chapter 29

    Chapter 29


    Darren Collins was sent to an emergency ward.


    Two of his ribs had been fractured. There were numerous bruises all over his body.


    Throughout the ordeal, he screamed nonstop, like a pig being ughtered.


    It was really too painful to bear.


    This only made him more furious.


    As soon as the surgery was done, he dialled a number.


    ¡°The Fearsome Foursome? I want two people dead. It''s better if you manage to make it look like a car


    ident. There''ll be less trouble.¡±


    At the other end of the line, four brawny men with bulging muscles replied, ¡°Understood!¡±


    After hanging up the phone, the leader, a brawny tattooed man, stretched himself. ¡°Brothers, cheer up


    and get to work.¡±


    After some time of searching, Lacey was still unable to find other suppliers.


    It must be Jackson up to his tricks again.


    She was at the end of her wits, sighing and feeling resigned.


    If the Schneider family''s order can''t be met, my small little factory will be in serious trouble if the client


    seeks rpense.


    Zekeforted her. ¡°Lacey, don''t worry. We shall cross our bridges when wee to them. Let''s go


    home for lunch.¡±


    Lacey smiled sadly, gazing at Zeke. ¡°I envy you.¡±


    ¡°Why would you say so?¡±


    Lacey replied, ¡°You''re so unemotional. You live a carefree life. At a time like this, you can still think


    about food.¡±


    Zeke was speechless.


    As he drove, Lacey sat by his side, still trying to reach other suppliers on her phone.


    As they were crossing a long narrow bridge, Zeke frowned.


    He sensed something dangerous approaching.


    After ten years of military service, he was very sensitive to danger and could instinctively make


    predictions in advance.


    Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    He looked ahead and then behind through the rearview mirror. He could almost know exactly what was


    going on.


    In front, a big truck was slowing down.


    At the back, there was another huge truck that was deliberately elerating.


    Their car was in between. If these two trucks collided, their car would be destroyed. They would lose


    their lives.


    It was impossible to overtake the truck in front from the side because the bridge was too narrow and


    the space beside the truck was not wide enough for a car to pass.


    It did not take a bright person to guess that Darren Collins was responsible for this arrangement.


    Zeke sensed that the danger of death was close.


    Lacey''s life is at risk.


    If he made a slight mistake, death would result.


    Zeke grabbed a cigarette and was about to light it, but Lacey snatched it away, ¡°Don''t smoke. It''s bad


    for your health.¡±


    Zeke smiled, ¡°Did you know that in this whole wide world, you''re the only one who dares snatch my


    cigarette away? However, We allow it.¡±


    Lacey chuckled, ¡°Yeah, you refer to yourself as ''We,'' Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°Lacey, fasten your seat belt properly.¡±


    Surprised, Lacey asked, ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°We''re in danger.¡±


    In an instant, Lacey anxiously fastened her belt and instinctively looked right and left. ¡°There''s nothing


    wrong.¡±


    Zeke smiled. ¡°As long as I''m with you, no danger is too dangerous to you.¡±


    With that, he turned the steering wheel to the left sharply.


    The car went headed to the pier.


    The instant the car hit the pier; Zeke turned the steering wheel straight. Both the left wheels of the car


    were left hanging above the pier.


    The car was tilting at an angle of 60 degrees!


    ¡°Ahh!¡± Lacey yelled in fear, ¡°Zeke, what the hell are you doing?!¡±


    ¡°Overtaking!¡± Zeke answered as he stepped on the elerator at the same time.


    The driver of the truck in front was stupefied. ¡°Damn, how did he do that?!¡±


    Immediately, the driver steered left, trying to force the car against the pier.


    Nheless, his reaction was slow by half a second. Zeke had made it past him in three seconds.


    ¡°Are you crazy?¡± Lacey was still in shock, ¡°Aren''t you afraid of going into the river?¡±


    Under the bridge was a 30-metre-deep river.


    Zeke slowed the car down and stopped. ¡°Lacey, you carry on, drive home. I have to finish dealing with


    the two trucks behind us.¡±


    Trucks?


    Lacey quickly turned around. Only then did she understand what had just happened. She turned pale.


    ¡°Just... just now, those two trucks were trying to squash us? Were they sent by Darren Collins?¡±


    Zeke nodded his head.


    Lacey trembled out of fear. ¡°I already told you not to offend Darren Collins. Look what happens when


    you don''t listen to me.¡±


    ¡°Look, Darren Collins is using triads against us now. Let''s go, quickly.¡±


    Zeke patted her shoulder. ¡°You go ahead. I must stay to take care of things.¡±


    Lacey was firm with her decision. ¡°No, we have to go together.¡±


    Zeke sighed, ¡°They are desperadoes. They won''t stop until they catch up with us. You won''t want to


    trouble your parents. You go back and get help while I deal with them. If I can''t handle them, I will find a


    way to escape. This is the safest n of action now. Don''t worry, I''ll be fine.¡±


    Lacey was still reluctant after hearing his words.


    Finally, under threat and bribery, Lacey reluctantly left.


    ¡°Please remember, take care of yourself no matter what. If anything bad happens to you, I will not go


    on living.¡±


    Zeke smiled.


    Silly woman, you underestimate your hubby.


    He got out his mobile phone and dialled Lone Wolf''s number. ¡°Lone Wolf, bring a team over here.


    Today, we will destroy a gang.¡±

 Chapter 30

    Chapter 30


    The tworge trucks slowed down and stopped next to Zeke.


    With murder in their eyes, the Fearsome Foursome got off the trucks holding steel pipes and walked


    towards Zeke.


    Donkey Kong was pping the steel pipe against his palm as heughed hideously, ¡°You, punk, you''re


    a lucky one. You escaped from our first attempt. This time, however, you won''t be so lucky.¡±


    Zeke was calm and collected. With well-practiced dexterity, he put on a pair of white gloves as he


    asked, ¡°Darren Collins sent you guys, didn''t he?¡±


    Donkey Kong replied, ¡°A corpse does not need to know much. Boys, save the sweet talk, go get him.¡±


    Waving their steel pipes, the Fearsome Foursome moved like a gust of strong wind, straight towards


    Williams.


    At the same time, Zeke moved too.


    It seemed like a casual move when he raised his right hand, firmly grasping Donkey Kong''s steel pipe.


    He pulled it off with ease.


    The steel pipe was soon in his possession.


    Donkey Kong was dumbfounded.


    Just moments ago, he had felt a powerful force on the steel pipe. Resistance yielded no effect.


    It felt as if... the pipe had been fed to a machine.


    How could a human''s strength be as powerful as a machine?


    Before he could recover from the shock, he felt something cold hit his tummy. Warm liquid flowed out.


    He looked down... his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets!


    The steel pipe had pierced right through his stomach!


    Ahh!


    For an instant, he felt no pain. There was only pure, undiluted horror.


    He quickly realized he hade upon a real obstacle.


    Zeke had not finished yet. The steel pipe was then aimed at Easy Kong!


    Following the dull sound of tearing, Easy Kong''s tummy was pierced through.


    Then it was Sunny Kong and Sexy Kong...


    The whole attack and counterattack took less than five seconds.


    At that moment, the Fearsome Foursome had been pierced through by the same steel pipe as


    skewered mutton!


    The steel pipe crushed the spine of Sexy Kong, causing him to die on the spot.


    The other three stared at Zeke in fear and horror.


    Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    A demon!


    This man in front of us has to be a demon!


    No, not even a demon could be so vicious!


    F***, what type of enemy did Darren Collins send us to finish off!


    Zeke squatted down and said with a sneer, ¡°As a family, you must be skewered up together neatly one


    by one.¡±


    The living members of the Fearsome Foursome were speechless.


    Zeke demanded, ¡°Tell me, who sent you?¡±


    The three of them groaned in pain, unable to reply him.


    Zeke picked up another steel pipe and pierced them again. ¡°Spit it out, who sent you here!¡±


    The three men remaining from the Fearsome Foursome broke down. ¡°Darren Collins, it''s Darren


    Collins who sent us.¡±


    Zeke nodded his head, satisfied with their confession.


    ¡°Remember this. If anything happens in the future,e after me and me alone. I''ll kill the whole family


    of whoever dares touch my wife! Otherwise, even if you be ghosts, I''lle for you like a Ghost


    Buster.¡±


    He then picked up another steel pipe and aimed it at their hearts.


    The setting sun was sinking in the west.


    A pool of blood was sparkling in its fading light, contrasting with the sky fascinatingly


    Five military trucks slowed down and stopped beside Zeke.


    Heavily armed soldiers in camouge got out of the vehicles and surrounded the scene.


    The four dead bodiesy on the ground skewered together, bloody and terrifying. It would be too cruel


    a sight for normal humans, but the scene had no effect on the group of trained army personnel.


    Lone Wolf strode all the way to face Zeke and gave him a military salute.


    ¡°Great Marshal, I apologize for arrivingte. I''m sorry you had to get the job done yourself.¡±


    Williams nodded and took off his blood-stained white gloves. ¡°Take them and follow me to visit


    someone.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sir!¡± Lone Wolf replied.


    ...


    It was nighttime; everywhere was dark.


    Darren Collins'' office, however, was brightly lit.


    After the surgery was done at the hospital and he was bandaged, Darren had returned to his own


    factory.


    Owners of the factories that supplied raw material to Lacey''s steel mill were all gathered there as well.


    Someone asked quietly, ¡°Sir, are you certain you''ve solved that little problem?¡±


    Darren sneered in reply, ¡°I''ve asked the Fearsome Foursome to personally deal with the matter.


    There''s no doubt this guy would meet Hades in the Underworld soon!¡±


    When they heard the name ''The Fearsome Foursome'', everyone present let out sighs of relief.


    The Fearsome Foursome were well-known in the world of crime and gangsterism in Oakheart City. In


    terms ofbat effectiveness, they were among the top ten.


    If the four attacked together, there was no way Zeke could escape death.


    Right when everyone felt greatly relieved andcent, there was a knock on the door.


    Darren shouted impatiently, ¡°Who''s that?¡±


    ¡°It''s me!¡± Zeke'' cold clear voice rang through the door.


    Darren frowned, ¡°Damn, this fe hasn''t died yet... or is this his ghost seeking revenge?¡±


    Boom!


    The door was suddenly kicked open.


    In the darkness of the night, Zeke walked slowly into the office. He took a seat on a chair he found.


    ¡°Damn it,¡± Darren Collins uttered between gritted teeth.


    The Fearsome Foursome failed!


    The crowd looked at one another, bitter with disappointment.


    They had seriously underestimated Zeke.


    ¡°What are you here for?¡± Darren Collins demanded.


    Zeke replied, ¡°To collect my debt!¡±


    ¡°What debt?¡± Darren Collins asked.


    ¡°Liquidated damages.¡±


    Darren replied with disdain, ¡°You head back first. I will send the liquidated damages over tomorrow.¡±


    The most urgent action at the moment was to get rid of Zeke. Only then could he contact The


    Fearsome Foursome and find out what happened.


    Zeke sneered, ¡°Even if you''re given a year, you wouldn''t be able to pay for these liquidated damages.¡±


    As he spoke, Zeke snapped his fingers. ¡°Come in.¡±

 Chapter 31

    Chapter 31


    The sounds of hurried footsteps came from outside the office.


    A figure entered.


    When the crowd were able to make out the face of the figure, they were gawking.


    It''s him!


    It''s the richest man in Oakheart City, Evan Schneider!


    My goodness, why would Evan Schneidere to a humble little ce like this?


    Furthermore... he was invited here by Zeke.


    Zeke was just a salesperson in a small factory. How did he know someone like Evan Schneider?


    Just how mysterious is Zeke'' background?


    Darren reacted quickly. He went forward to greet the visitor. ¡°We''re honoured by your visit. You bring


    glory to our humble premises. Mr. Schneider, please take a seat.¡±


    Evan waved his hand impatiently. ¡°It''s not necessary. I''m only here to talk with you about the


    agreement.¡±


    ¡°Agreement?¡± Darren Collins and the others were puzzled. They did not have any business dealings


    with Evan Schneider.


    To be precise, they did not qualify to have any business dealings with him.


    Evan Schneider took out more than ten agreements from his attach¨¦ case and threw them on the table.


    Darren and the rest looked and felt as if they were suffocating.


    These were the raw material supply contracts they had signed with more than a dozen steel mills in


    Oakheart City!


    How did these agreements end up in Evan Schneider''s hands?


    Darren suddenly realized something. In a trembling voice, he asked, ¡°So, the mysterious buyer who


    bought all the steel mills in Oakheart City was you?¡±


    Evan shook his head. ¡°No, it was Mr. Williams. I''m only working for him.¡±


    The crowd was shocked.


    Evan Schneider? Working for Zeke!


    Ridiculous! This''s absolutely ridiculous! This can''t be true!


    Evan Schneider continued, ¡°The contract stiptes that you will provide these steel mills with no less


    than 10 million tons of raw materials before tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°If the content of the contract can''t be fulfilled, please pay ten times the liquidated damages. It''s


    approximately one billion.¡±


    That piece of information was like an explosion that sent everyone''s mind abuzz.


    Even if everyone in the crowd were sold off as ves, they would not arrive at such an amount!


    These agreements had been a trap.


    Zeke had set these traps up!


    It had turned out that right from the very beginning of thispetition, they had already lost.


    Evan Schneider stole a nce at Zeke.


    Zeke responded by nodding his head.


    After rebuking Darren, Evan Schneider left promptly, as if he had just been relieved of great


    responsibility.


    Evan knew that after this, the office would turn into a deadly struggle between life and death.


    He didn''t have the heart to witness it.


    Darren spoke through gritted teeth, ¡°Williams, I really underestimated you.¡±


    ¡°Nevertheless, do you think you''ve got me cornered? Haha! How ridiculous!¡±


    Zeke shrugged his shoulders. ¡°How are you going to get out of this? Do enlighten me.¡±


    Darren smiled cruelly. ¡°Murder, get rid of the evidence and destroy the agreements.¡±


    When Evan Schneider left, he did not take the contracts with him.


    Zeke replied, ¡°Let''s wait and see.¡±


    Darren rushed outdoors and called, ¡°Come in!¡±


    However, nothing happened.


    Darren Collins called again, ¡°Security, get in here!¡±


    However, the order remained unanswered.


    Darren Collins'' hands started trembling, ¡°You... what have you done?¡±


    ¡°Only what should be done. You''re looking for the Fearsome Foursome? I''ll let you say goodbye to


    them.¡±


    Zeke then called out through the door, ¡°Come in!¡±


    Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!


    The sound of uniform footsteps came from all directions.


    They even shook the ground and it trembled slightly.


    Darren and the others turned pale as they hurriedly looked outside.


    One look was enough to scare them to the point of a mental breakdown.


    The army!


    Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    A heavily armed troop, at that!


    Judging by the numbers, a whole battalion.


    Damn, how did a whole battalion of heavily armed soldiers suddenly appear here?


    Were they brought here by Zeke?


    Zeke... where on earth did this mane from?


    The troupe soon surrounded the office.


    Lone Wolf entered in huge strides.


    Two bars of three stars on his shoulders seemed to sound the death knell. Darren and the others were


    scared stiff.


    Behind Lone Wolf were two warriors carrying a steel bar.


    On the steel bar were skewered four corpses!


    The Fearsome Foursome!


    ¡°Oh, my goodness! The devil is here!¡±


    ¡°Oh! Help me! Help me!¡±


    ¡°Sir, we''ve made a mistake, please, forgive us!¡±


    Darren Collins and the others were shocked out of their wits by the way the Fearsome Foursome had


    died. Some of the suppliers covered their heads, while others knelt on the floor, begging for mercy.


    They were in a state ofplete mental copse.


    Upon facing such a devilish human with superhuman powers, not many would remain sane.


    Lone Wolf took out his pistol and casually shot a person trying to escape.


    The sound of the pistol shot brought the crowd to their senses. They knelt down and begged for mercy,


    not daring to move. The sound of their wailing was deafening.


    This was a real-life battle of life and death.


    Lone Wolf holstered his pistol, swiftly saluted Zeke and said, ¡°Great Marshal, please give your further


    instructions.¡±

 Chapter 32

    Chapter 32


    The Great Marshal!


    Zeke is... The Great Marshal!


    The legendary God of War!


    About four of five of the group fainted in fear.


    Zeke said coldly, ¡°You know what you should do.¡±


    ¡°I know, I know.¡± Darren Collins kneeled and prostrated himself so hard that his head was bleeding.


    ¡°Tomorrow, we shall mortgage the factory to Lacey.¡±


    Zeke sneered, ¡°You think I''m interested in your little factory?¡±


    Darren Collins was shivering in panic. ¡°No, Sir! No, Sir!¡±


    Zeke got up and made a mark on the map hanging on the wall.


    The location he had marked was the bridge on the Winrood River, the ce he almost had an ident.


    ¡°All those who were involved in sending the Fearsome Foursome to murder me and my wife, hand over


    your mortgage papers to Lacey tomorrow. Then,e to this ce to carry out your own sentences. If


    you force me to mete it out, more than one life will be involved.¡±


    Huh!


    Darren''s heart suddenly stopped beating. He died on the spot.


    Zeke checked the time. It was already past three o''clock in the morning.


    ¡°Arrange a ce to sleep for me.¡± Zeke ordered Lone Wolf, ¡°It''s already sote. I do not wish to disturb


    Lacey.¡±


    ...


    Meanwhile, Lacey brought with her more than thirty workers from her factory to support her husband at


    The Winrood River bridge.


    There was total silence at the bridge but for the deafening sound of rushing water. No one was around.


    Two trucks were parked silently on the bridge.


    Near the trucks was a patch, blood-red in colour and fearsome to behold.


    This patch of red aggravated Lacey''s mind so much that she cked out and copsed on the ground


    in a faint.


    Poor Zeke didn''tst long enough for her to return with help!


    ...


    The next day, she was awakened by people calling her name.


    ¡°Lacey,e on, wake up, don''t frighten us!¡±


    Slowly, Lacey opened her eyes.


    At that point, her mind was totally nk.


    She turned her head and looked at her side.


    Beside her, her parents and her uncles, Jeremy and Scott were there. Even her grandpa and Jackson


    Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    Hamilton, as well.


    However, a piece of white cloth was attached to each person''s arm... a sign of mourning.


    Lacey''s memories began to return. As if her heart were breaking, she screamed, ¡°You... why are you


    wearing that piece of white cloth?¡±


    ¡°Dad, mom, please go and save Zeke. Quickly, go and save Zeke. He must still be alive.¡±


    Hannah Lawson quickly held her down, ¡°Lacey, be calm. Stay calm.¡±


    ¡°Zeke might be already... Oh! My poor daughter!¡±


    With that, Hannah Lawson burst into tears.


    ¡°No!¡±


    Lacey wept aloud, ¡°He can''t die. He must still be alive. I''m going to look for him now.¡±


    ¡°Enough of this.¡± Grandpa Adam Hinton scolded angrily, ¡°Lacey, Zeke''s dead. You should snap out of


    this.¡±


    ¡°Our family was able to say ourst goodbyes to him. He cannot expect more as we have done


    everything we could. From now on, we have nothing to do with him.¡±


    ¡°Pull yourself together and say your final goodbyes to Zeke. After that, get engaged to Jackson


    Hamilton.¡±


    Lacey struggled to sit up. ¡°No, I''ll never marry anyone other than Zeke! If he dies, I''ll die with him.¡±


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Adam Hinton hit the floor with his cane, ¡°You... you''re going to be the death of me! What do


    you see in Zeke? How can hepare with Jackson Hamilton?¡±


    ¡°I have already epted the Hamilton family''s betrothal gift, and the Hamilton family has promised to


    let the Hinton family be an affiliated family of theirs. This is an opportunity for our family to rise above


    the mundane. If you waste this opportunity, I''ll beat you to death!¡±


    However, Lacey remained adamant. ¡°Zeke died for me. For the rest of my life, I am his. I''ll never


    remarry!¡±


    ¡°You... beast!¡± Adam Hinton lifted his cane to whack Lacey.


    Upon seeing this, Daniel Hinton hurriedly stopped him. ¡°Dad, that''s enough. Don''t push Lacey


    anymore.¡±


    Adam Hinton vented his anger to Daniel instead, smashing his crutches on Daniel''s back.


    ¡°I... Why did I give birth to you! You''re such a useless being... I should have strangled you alive.¡±


    ¡°You can''t even control your daughter. How dare you argue with me... I''ll beat you to death...¡±


    Hannah Lawson''s heart ached for her husband. She quickly went to grab the cane.


    ¡°Dad, you''ve gone too far. Look at Lacey''s condition now. How can you carry on forcing her? You''ll only


    be forcing her to end her own life.¡±


    Adam Hinton turned white.


    ¡°Get away from me. I''m Daniel''s father. Even if I kill him, it''s not a crime. You useless thing! You can''t


    even control your wife and daughter. Why should I keep you as my son? You disgrace the Hinton family


    name.¡±


    Upon seeing this, Jeremy and Scott Hinton joined in to chide Lacey''s family.


    ¡°Lacey, look at what you have done. Because of your wayward and stubborn behaviour, there''s no


    peace in our family. Are you proud of yourself?¡±


    ¡°Daniel, you''re really worthless. Dad worked hard to raise you without ever expecting you to be filial,


    but you can''t even stop your wife from arguing with the old man. You''re trash! It''s truly a tragedy for the


    Hinton family that scum like you had been born into it.¡±

 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33


    Lacey felt totally disappointed when she watched the scene in front of her.


    All this while, grandpa had favoured the families of Uncle Jeremy and Uncle Scott. He has always


    looked down on dad.


    To change her family''s situation, Lacey had worked hard and gone through hardships to find this steel


    mill with some measure of achievement.


    Every year, she was the one who brought in the most money for the Hinton family.


    She had never thought that all her sacrifices could notpare to the two uncles'' sweet talk.


    And now, to merely climb the socialdder, the Hinton family would sacrifice her personal happiness.


    A family like the Hinton family was not worth her trying to protect it.


    Laceyughed manically and scolded them, ¡°Stop it, all of you!¡±


    ¡°You evil beast, how dare you talk to your elders like this...¡± Uncle Jeremy reprimanded angrily.


    Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    Suddenly, Lacey picked up a pair of scissors and aimed it at her throat. ¡°Get out, give me some peace


    and quiet, or else, I''ll kill myself in front of you all.¡±


    Instantly, there was silence.


    Hannah Lawson felt her body give way. She copsed on the floor, crying. ¡°Lacey, are you trying to


    take away my life? Please put down the scissors. Just put it down. If anything happens to you, I cannot


    go on living.¡±


    Lacey sighed, ¡°Mom, all of you go out. Grant me some peace and quiet. Leave me alone.¡±


    Daniel Hinton went wild. He wiped the cold sweat from his brow before bellowing, ¡°Get out, all of you! If


    anything happens to my daughter, I''ll kill you all.¡±


    Jackson Hamilton, who had been silent all this while, spoke, ¡°Lacey, I know that at this point, you don''t


    realize the truth. Let me tell you about the real situation. Last night, I sent men to search for the


    Fearsome Foursome, but they were nowhere to be found. This means they''ve murdered someone and


    have run away to escape thew. All these points to the fact that Zeke is dead. Besides that, Darren


    Collins will not let any of your family members escape. If I don''t help, the whole Hinton Family will be


    buried together with you. You''d better think about your choices carefully.¡±


    Adam Hinton cursed, ¡°Now, you''ve heard the truth. If Darren Collins vents his anger on us, the entire


    Hinton family will be annihted! The only one who can help us now is Jackson!¡±


    Lacey sneered, ¡°Rest assured, even if I die, I will not involve your Hinton family.¡±


    Jackson Hamilton smiled, ¡°You wille and beg me for help sooner orter.¡±


    With that, Jackson Hamilton turned to leave.


    However, when he opened the door, he saw someone standing there.


    Zeke!


    It was Zeke!


    Not only was he alive, in fact... he was safe and sound!


    Had the Fearsome Foursome failed in their assassination attempt? How could the four of them


    Jackson Hamilton''s heart jumped. He felt the premonition that something bad was about to happen.


    Zeke walked into the room and looked at the pair of scissors pointed at Lacey''s neck. His heart felt as if


    it had been pierced by a knife.


    Under the gaze of countless pairs of shocked eyes, he slowly walked to Lacey''s side.


    ¡°Lacey, I''m sorry I''m backte.¡±


    Lacey was shocked first. Then, she punched him hard with both fists, crying hysterically.


    She wanted to vent all the grievances in her heart.


    ¡°Naughty, naughty, naughty! What did you dost night? Didn''t you know I was worried sick! If you had


    With his heart full of remorse, Zeke held Lacey in his arms. ¡°Lacey, it was my fault. Don''t worry, I''ll


    never leave you again.¡±


    Adam Hinton banged on the table angrily. ¡°Let go of her, Zeke, let her go! I''ll never recognize you as a


    son-inw of the Hinton family. If you really care about Lacey''s wellbeing, leave her as soon as


    possible. You may have escaped death this time, but Darren Collins will not let you off easily. You''ll only


    bring cmity upon the Hinton family. Only Jackson Hamilton can help my family now. You go as far


    away as possible!¡±


    With eyes full of fury, Zeke gazed at Adam Hinton.


    Yes, this is definitely the man who forced Lacey to pick up the pair of scissors!


    All of a sudden, Jackson Hamilton proimed gleefully, ¡°Everyone look, Darren Collins''s here with


    many people. Lacey, this is yourst chance, I''m advising you, don''t suffer more than necessary.¡±


    Adam Hinton took a look at the scene outside. Upon seeing Darren Collins, he turned pale instantly.


    He immediately went to try and separate Lacey and Zeke from each other.


    However, Zeke stretched out his hand and blocked him. ¡°Whoever dares to touch Lacey will die!¡±


    Adam Hinton turned beet red, ¡°You evil creature, you''ve brought death to my whole family...¡±


    At this moment, Darren Collins walked in with a group of people.


    Adam Hinton quickly spoke up, ¡°Mr. Dawson, all this is the fault of Zeke. It has nothing to do with the


    Hinton family. If you want revenge, get Zeke. Even if you kill him, we shall not interfere.¡±


    However, Darren Collins did not pay heed to him. Instead, he went straight to Lacey.


    Lacey felt nervous and tensed instantly. She held the pair of scissors silently.


    Daniel took hold of a bench quietly.


    If anything happened, he would attack.


    However, to everyone''s surprise, Darren Collins did not do anything.


    Instead, he knelt down with a thud, quickly and simply.

 Chapter 34

    Chapter 34


    With trembling hands, he took out the contract, saying, ¡°Ms. Lacey, I''ve offended you yesterday. I


    deserve to die.¡±


    ¡°I''m sorry to let you know that I cannot deliver the raw materials on time, nor can I pay for the liquidated


    damages. I can only mortgage the factory to you. I hope you will be willing to take over it.¡±


    The other suppliers did the same, apologizing and offering their mortgage contracts.


    Everyone looked on, dumbfounded.


    Madness! These people have all gone mad.


    Liquidated damages? Considering Darren Collins''s power in the world of triads, breaching a contract


    wasmonce. Lacey would not dare oppose him.


    On top of that, he had, on his own initiative mortgaged his factory.


    It was unthinkable!


    Zeke prompted, ¡°Lacey, why don''t you receive the contracts?¡±


    Lacey recovered from her shock. ¡°Did you do this?¡±


    Zeke smiled, an indication of silent admission.


    ¡°How did you do it?¡± Lacey continued to ask.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.


    Zeke exined, ¡°Using understanding and reasoning.¡±


    Lacey was at a loss for words.


    Still, Lacey would not take the contracts. She said, ¡°Concerning this... Sir, we can extend the deadline


    for supplying the raw materials... I will not ept this mortgage contract.¡±


    Darren panicked.


    If Lacey epted the contract, he would die alone. That was enough for him.


    If she did not, his whole family would lose their lives.


    Darren started begging her, ¡°Ms. Lacey, I beg you to ept it, please. If you do not take it, I won''t get


    up ...¡±


    The crowd grew even more surprised.


    It was strange to see someone beg so harshly to give away his factory.


    What could this useless Zeke have done to Darren Collins?


    Jackson was annoyed beyond description.


    Darren had betrayed him.


    Gritting his teeth in anger, he asked, ¡°Darren Collins, what the devil are you doing? You''re a leader of


    gangsters, how can you kneel down to such an ordinary person!¡±


    It would have been better if he had kept quiet. He had now spoken and attracted Darren''s attention.


    If not for you, Jackson Hamilton, I would never have gotten involved with this god, Zeke!


    I would never have fallen so low!


    Furiously, he rushed forward, pped Jackson with a loud smack and yelled, ¡°I was forced to. You shut


    up!¡±


    Jackson covered his face, looking at him in disbelief as he cursed, ¡°F***, you dared to hit me, you


    f***ing dared to hit me! You''re dead meat!¡±


    Darren shouted in anger, ¡°Death? if I die, you will die with me.¡±


    He had thought it over. He was going to die anyhow. So, he might as well teach Jackson a lesson first.


    He could vent his anger and please Zeke. It was a win-win situation.


    The two wrestled with each other into one entwined heap. Jackson was screaming nonstop as he


    struggled against Darren''s attacks.


    Darren was a leader of triads, so brawling was right down his alley. Jackson was no match for him.


    The Hinton family watched in bewilderment.


    Darren Collins was an important leader of the underground triads, but he was nothing to the Hamilton


    family.


    In assaulting Jackson Hamilton now... it showed that had a death wish!


    Zeke casually threw the pair of scissors in front of Darren as he muttered, ¡°Trash.¡±


    Was it not unbing of a triad leader to fight so hard with ordinary folk?


    Seeing the pair of scissors, Darren''s eyes lit up. He picked them up and stabbed them on Jackson''s


    thighs.


    Blood spurted out to a distance of two metres.


    Jackson screamed like a pig being ughtered.


    He screamed so loud that even his driver heard him.


    The driver rushed in, turning pale upon seeing the scene. He swiftly kicked Darren aside, carried


    Jackson on his back and ran off.


    Jackson screamed with all his might, ¡°You scoundrels, Darren and Zeke, just you wait! I want you both


    dead! The Hinton family, listen up! In ten days'' time, bring Lacey to me, or the Hinton family will be


    done for!¡±

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35


    Jackson Hamilton''s threat shocked the Hinton family.


    Darren resumed kneeling and begging in front of Lacey to receive the mortgage contract from him.


    Slowly, Lacey took the documents from Darren, who immediately fled the scene after. He looked like


    someone who had been relieved of a great responsibility.


    Zeke smiled, ¡°Lacey, you haven''t had your breakfast yet. Let me treat you to breakfast.¡±


    Adam Hinton shouted in a rage, ¡°Eat! You still have the mood to eat!¡±


    ¡°You even dared pass a pair of scissors to Darren Collins. You''ve utterly offended Jackson Hamilton


    now. If the Hamilton family were to pursue the matter, you alone must ept the me! Lacey, if you


    don''t want the Hinton family destroyed, in ten days, go to the Hamilton family on your own. Otherwise,


    we will forcefully take you there!¡±


    Lacey looked towards Zeke.


    She knew Zeke would not let her down.


    Zeke proimed, ¡°Don''t worry, Lacey. In ten days, the Hamilton family''s assets will belong to the Hinton


    family. As in Lacey Hinton.¡±


    Everyone was dumbfounded.


    They had thought that he would say things like ''I''ll protect you'', ''I''ll take care of the Hamilton family


    problem'', and so on.


    They never thought he would brag so outrageously as to involve the whole Hamilton n.


    Perhaps he was biting off more than he could chew.


    Adam Hinton snorted in disdain. ¡°Hmph, at this moment, it''s uncertain if you can even live for more


    than ten days. Yet, you dare speak such words. Let''s leave now.¡±


    Adam Hinton left, taking with him Jeremy and Scott Hinton.


    Lacey and her family were relieved.


    Once they left the room, Lacey shed herrge eyes at Zeke. ¡°Now, tell me, just how did you take


    control of Darren!¡±


    Daniel and Hannah were all ears, eager to listen as well.


    Zeke began, ¡°Do you remember that some time ago, a mysterious buyer bought all the steel mills in


    Oakheart City?¡±


    Lacey nodded her head. ¡°Of course, I remember. Is he involved in this?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that buyer signed a contract for the supply of raw materials with Darren and the others, but


    Darren couldn''t supply the amount ording to the stipted time. Darren paid all the liquidity in his


    hands to the other party as a breach of contract. He has no money topensate us for the breach of


    contract, so he can only mortgage the factory.¡±


    Daniel and Hannah understood what had happened.


    It had turned out that all these were the handiwork of the mysterious buyer, not Zeke.


    However, this mysterious buyer was doing Lacey a big favour.


    Why would he help Lacey?


    He couldn''t have been sent by the Great Marshal, could he?


    That''s highly likely.


    However, Lacey was full of doubt.


    Simple logic told her that things could not have been so simple.


    She was about to probe Zeke further, but Hannah interrupted her.


    ¡°Zeke, Lacey was going to end her own life for you just now. You must have seen that. You have our


    blessings to be with Lacey, but we hope you will not disappoint her as she loves you with all of her


    heart.¡±


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    The burden that had always been on Zeke'' shoulders was finally lifted.


    Finally, his father and mother-inw have both epted him.


    Quickly, he responded, ¡°Dad, mom, rest assured. In the future, I''ll give my all to treat Lacey well. After


    all, Lacey''s my only rtive in this world.¡±


    Hannah sighed, ¡°You poor child. Life has been hard for you.¡±


    ¡°Without any family, you grew up alone. If you don''t mind, you can treat Daniel and I like your own real


    parents. We will treat you like our own son.¡±


    Zeke was incredibly moved.


    In truth, he had ''family''; both his parents were alive. They were the Williams family in Atheville.


    Sadly, those ''family members'' had sacrificed him for their own benefits.


    He appreciated that the elderly couple could resist the temptations offered by Jackson Hamilton and


    choose him, Zeke.


    Although they weren''t rted by blood, they were better than his blood rted family members.


    Laceyughed childishly and she said half-jokingly, ¡°Dad, mom, are you sure about that?¡±


    ¡°If I''m with Zeke, Jackson Hamilton would retaliate relentlessly against us. Aren''t you both afraid of


    Zeke?¡±


    Hannah sighed, looking worried.


    Daniel, who had so far been silent, spoke up, ¡°If the Hamilton family wants to retaliate, so be it. If it


    long as you''re both happy together, that''s all we ever deSire.¡±

 Chapter 36

    Chapter 36


    Hannah became very emotional. She said, ¡°Daniel, all of your life, you have suffered quietly in the face


    of oppression. Today, you''ve finally mustered up your courage for your daughter.¡±


    Daniel''s honest face was all smiles.


    ¡°Father, mother, rest assured,¡± Zeke said sincerely. ¡°From now on, I''ll be the pir of our family. Even if


    the worst challenges shoulde upon us, I''ll protect our family. I''ve said I''ll make Lacey the richest


    person in Oakheart City. Who''s the Hamilton family? Why should we even pay heed to them?¡±


    Lacey said angrily, ¡°Which family are you part of? I haven''t agreed to it yet. Let me tell you this. Unless


    you stop this habit of telling tall tales, I''m not going to marry you.¡±


    Daniel and Hannah were caught between tears andughter.


    This son-inw of theirs could certainly tell tall tales that were unique and refreshing.


    Even to the extent of being the wealthiest in Oakheart City!


    Zekeughed helplessly.


    The most important tie between two people was none other than faith!


    Lacey, father and mother, you can be assured.


    The moment you epted me, I''ve already made up my mind to get rid of all obstacles and raise you


    high above the ordinary!


    ...


    A Land Rover moved slowly onto the Winrood River bridge and stopped there.


    The driver turned out to be Darren Collins.


    Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    In the back seat were The Fearsome Foursome.


    Of course, they were cold and stiff.


    Looking at the rushing water beneath the bridge, Darren Collins started to wail loudly.


    More than once, he had fantasized about death but now really facing it, he broke down, feeling fearful.


    He was overwhelmed with the feeling of remorse.


    Nheless, it was toote for regret.


    The Great Marshal''smand was more fearful than the lord of the underworld, Hades'' record book of


    life and death.


    For the sake of the older folks and the young children in his own family, he had to sacrifice his own life.


    Quietly, he calmed his own emotions and started the car. He then drove right into the Winrood River.


    On the bank of the river, with a cigarette dangling from his lips, Lone Wolf looked at the surface of the


    river.


    After the huge ssh had subsided, he pressed the button on the walkie talkie, ¡°Zayne, time to work.¡±


    ...


    For Zeke, today was a day worth celebrating.


    This was because Daniel and Hannah had finally epted him.


    Zeke decided to take the old couple to a high-end restaurant for a meal.


    On one hand, it was regarded as a celebration. On the other hand, he must gradually show his true


    identity to the two elders.


    He had to slowly show them he was the Great Marshal.


    Lacey raised both hands in agreement when Zeke''s suggested eating out.


    ¡°I agree, I agree. It''s to celebrate my taking down of a few factories.¡±


    Daniel and Hannah were agreeable to the idea too.


    The family of four went downstairs.


    When they reached the ground floor, Daniel suddenly seemed rmed. ¡°Go back, let''s head back


    first...¡±


    However, the moment he turned around, a voice called out, ¡°Daniel, stop right there!¡±


    Disappointed, Daniel sighed and stopped in his tracks.


    It was the security captain of themunity property who was calling to him.


    Daniel Hinton greeted him with a smile. ¡°Mr. Zachary, what a coincidence. Are you looking for me?¡±


    Mr. Zachary was rather displeased. ¡°Hinton, you tell me why I would want to see you.¡±


    Daniel Hinton felt guilty as he smiled, feeling rather embarrassed.


    Zeke frowned, ¡°Mr. Zachary, what''s the matter?¡±


    Mr. Zachary spoke, ¡°What else? I''ve said many times to not park your cars in front of the fire hydrant.


    You just don''t seem to follow my instructions.¡±


    Daniel Hinton quickly offered a cigarette to Mr. Zachary. ¡°I''m truly sorry, Mr. Zachary. I was in a hurry


    today. I didn''t notice the fire hydrant. I won''t do it again, I promise.¡±


    Mr. Zachary looked disdainfully at the cigarette Daniel Hinton offered. He didn''t ept it.


    Obviously, he did not think much of this cheap cigarette.


    He replied coldly, ¡°If an apology is of any use, everyone in ourmunity would be parking here. We


    go by the book. A one-thousand fine. Quickly, cough up the money.¡±


    Oh!


    Hannah felt regretful.


    One thousand would be enough to pay for groceries for the whole family for one month.


    It was regretful that such a considerable amount had to be paid for such a small mistake.


    Hannah begged, ¡°Mr. Zachary, please overlook this small mistake this time. The next time, if Daniel


    repeats this mistake, I''ll break his leg. As for today''s fine, let''s just forget it.¡±

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37


    Mr. Zachary did not bother replying Hannah. Instead, he took out the ticket book and started writing.


    Zeke suddenly spoke up. ¡°Mr. Zachary, I feel that the fault lies in the fire hydrant, not in us.¡±


    Pfft!


    Mr. Zachary was amused by Zeke. ¡°The fault is with the fire hydrant? What''s wrong with it?¡±


    The Hinton family burst out inughter.


    Zeke'' words made no sense at all.


    If word got out about this scene, all the neighbours would surely have goodugh.


    Zeke casually brought out two cigars, giving one each to Daniel and Mr. Zachary.


    Mr. Zachary was not prepared to ept a cigar.


    However, when he caught a glimpse of thebel on the cigar, his eyes lit up. He took it respectfully and


    studied thebel carefully.


    Zeke said, ¡°The set-up of this fire hydrant is very inefficient. If there''s a fire, it will not be of much use. I


    suggest moving it eighty meters to the north.¡±


    Mr. Zachary did not respond. He was too engrossed with the cigar and had not heard Zeke''s words.


    Lacey sighed in disappointment. ¡°Uncle Zachary, please hurry up with the ticket. We''re in a hurry to go


    out for lunch.¡±


    Lacey was beginning to worry less about money. One thousand did not bother her much.


    Mr. Zachary finally kept the cigar carefully and saluted Zeke military style.


    ¡°Yes, thisrade is right. The fire hydrant was in the wrong position. I shall have the hydrant moved


    in the afternoon.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Old Hinton, once the hydrant is removed, this ce will be vacant. You can use it as your


    personal car park.¡±


    What?


    Lacey and her parents were shocked.


    It really is our fault, but Mr. Zachary has just agreed that the fire hydrant''s in the wrong ce...


    Is it really because of just one word from Zeke?


    Furthermore, Mr. Zachary has gone the extra mile, taking the initiative to offer the vacated space as a


    personal car park for them.


    This change in his attitude is just too quick to be true.


    Zeke smiled. ¡°Father, mother, Lacey, let''s get into the car.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes!¡± The Hinton family snapped back to reality, quickly turning around to get into the car and


    leave.


    Mr. Zachary immediately took out his walkie talkie. ¡°Entrance security take note, entrance security take


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    note, immediately let PTA121 through. In future, including this time round, let theme in and go


    without checking their documents.¡±


    After he had put away the walkie talkie, he brought out the cigar again.


    He was so emotional that both his hands shook.


    It was no ordinary cigar. It was one that had been issued by Zhongnanhai.


    It was not avable even to personnel at colonel levels.


    This young man must hold a position high up in Zhongnanhai or at the very least know people of very


    high positions.


    His status must be highly respected.


    ¡°Who would think that a tiny remotemunity like ours could be the residence of such a big god? In


    future, the Hinton family will be served well!¡±


    In the car, Daniel was full of pride. ¡°The parking problem is finally solved. We don''t have to park far


    away anymore.¡±


    Hannah heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°The most important thing is that we''ve saved a thousand in fines.¡±


    Lacey, however, was not amused.


    My parents'' way of thinking small will never be changed.


    ¡°Dad, mom, the parking lot and the fine are insignificant. The most important thing''s Uncle Zachary''s


    attitude toward us. Why did it change so fast and so suddenly?¡±


    When she pointed this out, Daniel and Hannah realized that they had missed the most important point


    in the encounter that had just taken ce.


    They both turned their gaze to Zeke.


    ¡°Zeke, mind telling us what that was all about? I get the feeling that Mr. Zachary was in awe of you.¡±


    Zeke smiled sheepishly. ¡°Father, mother, do not be too surprised. This is just the tip of the iceberg


    where my power is concerned. In future, you may need to adjust to being higher above normal people


    and being revered by many.¡±


    Lacey gently pressed her finger on Zeke''s forehead, ¡°Just look at you. You''ve only handled a security


    guard. There''s no need to make such a big deal out of it.¡±


    Daniel and Hannah bothughed.


    That''s true. Mr. Zachary is just a security guard, it''s nothing to be rmed about.


    Very quickly, Zeke drove them to the Grand Millennium Hotel.


    It was the most luxurious hotel in Oakheart City; a five-star one.


    Hannah was anxious as she asked, ¡°Zeke, you aren''t giving us a treat here, are you? I heard that one


    meal here costs at least one hundred thousand.¡±


    Daniel added, ¡°I also heard that this hotel only serves members. Being wealthy alone isn''t enough.


    Even the rich may not enter unless they''re members or invited by members.¡±


    Lacey held Zeke''s hand to prevent him from getting down the car. ¡°Let''s go to another restaurant. This


    isn''t a ce for people like us.¡±


    Zeke said calmly. ¡°This is the first time I''m inviting my parents to a meal; how can I settle for less? I''ve


    already booked a table here. Let''s get down.¡±


    The Hinton family were stubborn, but they were no match for Zeke''s persuasive powers. They got


    down from the car together.


    When we can''t get it, it would be so embarrassing. Oh, well, let it be. There won''t be any friends or


    family members to witness our shame.


    This Zeke has got swollen-headed after handling a security chief.


    This is a good opportunity to cut him down to size.


    They were at the door when someone called out to them.


    ¡°Daniel, Hannah! Hello there. Fancy meeting you both here too.¡±

 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38


    Upon hearing the greeting, the Hinton family turned around.


    They became embarrassed when the realised it was their acquaintances calling out to them.


    It does seem as if that which you fear most woulde to pass.


    The people calling out to them were people they were familiar with.


    They were Daniel''s colleagues, Lawrence Herbert and his son, William.


    Speaking of which, the two families had some history.


    Lawrence was the assistant director of the hospital where Daniel worked.


    Lawrence was once interested in setting William up with Lacey.


    The problem was that William was not only quite unattractive in appearance. He was also uninterested


    in learning and improving himself besides being unemployed.


    Naturally, Daniel and Lacey did not agree to this arrangement.


    Unfortunately, Lawrence took this to heart and would find fault with Daniel at every opportunity to make


    work difficult for him at the hospital.


    If Lawrence saw the family being driven away by the hotel staff, he would definitely gossip about the


    incident with the colleagues at the hospital.


    Daniel worried he would be given a bad name and embarrassed at work.


    Lawrence Herbert put on a smile and asked, ¡°Daniel, what are you guys doing here?¡±


    Daniel said perfunctorily, ¡°Nothing much, just strolling around.¡±


    Lawrence Herbert pointed out, ¡°Just strolling around brings you to this grand hotel''s entrance? You''re


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    not thinking of eating here, are you?


    Having his fib pointed out to be a lie, Daniel felt even more embarrassed. He could not find anything to


    say.


    Zeke quickly helped Daniel out. ¡°Dad and mom were tired of strolling. So, I invited them here for a


    meal.¡±


    Dad and mom?


    William, who had been so focused on Lacey, now noticed Zeke''s presence.


    His eyes were full of rivalry.


    ¡°Lacey, this is your new intended?¡±


    Lacey nodded.


    William Herbert grew even more upset.


    This chap''s dressing looks cheap. He''s not good-looking and is way below my qualities. What does


    Lacey even see in him?


    With the intention of insulting Zeke, he said, ¡°As far as I know, you need a membership card to enter


    this restaurant. Do you have one?¡±


    Zeke shook his head. ¡°No.¡±


    This restaurant belonged to the Schneider family. In effect, he was the owner. He does not need a


    membership card to enter.


    Pfft!


    Lawrence Herbert and William Herbert could not help but snigger.


    He doesn''t have a membership card and still dares to be so frank about it. This guy is out of his mind.


    Lacey and her parents were so embarrassed that they did not even dare to lift their heads up.


    Daniel tapped Zeke''s shoulder and said, ¡°I''m not hungry yet. Shall we take a stroll over there?¡±


    However, Zeke was insistent. ¡°Dad, mom, we''re already here. Let''s just make do.¡±


    Daniel was a little cross. He shot Zeke an irritated nce.


    This guy really doesn''t follow rules. You''ve already been told that a membership card''s necessary. You


    don''t have one. How are you going to pull it off?


    William Herbert gloated gleefully, ¡°Lacey, this new catch of yours is not the prize you think he is. He


    obviously cannot enter this restaurant but yet still wants to bluff. Why don''t you let me take you and


    your family inside? Then you can see what real ss is like.¡±


    Lacey looked surprised. ¡°Do you have a membership card?¡±


    Lawrence Herbert''s status in society wasn''t really sufficient for membership in this hotel.


    Lawrence Herbert replied with pride in his voice, ¡°It''s not necessary to be a member to enter.¡±


    ¡°We''re not just going in for a meal today. We''ll be given special treatment as important guests.¡±


    William was getting impatient. ¡°Lacey, don''t dawdle, juste in with me.¡±


    Lacey declined his invitation coldly. ¡°No, I''ll be staying with my hubby.¡±


    William snorted, ¡°Hmph, you''re so rude. Don''t you want to know why I''m here today? I have a blind


    date with the hotel owner''s daughter. This girl''s qualities are many times better than yours, yet I''m


    willing to give you a chance now. It''s your honour. If you don¡¯t cherish my offer. Just wait. You''ll regret


    it.¡±


    Without further ado, the father and son walked towards the entrance.


    A beautiful waitress asked respectfully, ¡°Sirs, do you have a membership card?¡±


    Lawrence said, ¡°I''m Lawrence Herbert. Your employer has an appointment with me. I''m his doctor.¡±


    The pretty waitress bowed slightly, ¡°Mr. Herbert, pleasee with me.¡±


    When the two entered, William Herbert provocatively raised his middle finger at Lacey''s family.


    Daniel felt a little bit embarrassed. ¡°Forget it, let''s leave.¡±


    Nevertheless, Zeke smiled. ¡°Dad, mom, we''ve been insulted. How can we leave without first showing


    our worth?¡±


    With that, he walked straight to the entrance.


    The pretty waitress met him at the entrance, ¡°Sir, do you have a membership card?¡±


    Zeke replied, ¡°No, I don''t.¡±


    The pretty waitress replied, ¡°Sorry, you cannot enter without one.¡±


    Lacey''s family grew more embarrassed.


    ¡°That''s right. But I''m Zeke.¡±


    Huh?


    Upon hearing the name, the four pretty waitresses were stunned.

 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39


    Their boss had already informed them in advance, telling them that the boss'' boss wasing today


    and that his name was Zeke.


    The waitresses had imagined the big boss to be some middle-aged man with a huge tummy. They did


    not expect someone so young and athletic.


    The four of them quickly bowed in unison, ¡°Wee, Mr. Williams. We''re honoured by your visit. Mr.


    Williams, please follow me, your room has already been prepared.¡±


    Zeke turned around. ¡°Dad, mom and Lacey,e, let''s go in.¡±


    The Hinton family were dumbfounded.


    They had never expected the pretty waitresses to show Zeke so much respected. They had even


    bowed to wee him.


    They also noted that when the girls spoke to Lawrence Herbert, they had only smiled politely in a


    professional manner.


    The pretty waitresses hurried to Daniel''s side.


    ¡°Sir, let me take your coat.¡±


    ¡°Ma''am, let me take your handbag.¡±


    Daniel Hinton''s family were surprised by their hospitality. They awkwardly let the girls help them carry


    their stuff.


    Then, in a daze, they let the pretty girls lead them inside the Grand Millenium.


    The waitresses led them to the doorway of a very luxurious room.


    Just when they were about to enter, Lawrence Herbert''s voice came from behind them, ¡°You... how did


    you get in?¡±


    They turned around to look and saw Lawrence and William sitting at a normal table in the hall.


    Daniel immediately felt proud and vindicated.


    ¡°My son-inw is an important person. We don''t need a membership card or appointment to enter. Oh,


    why are you sitting down to eat in themon dining hall? Why note inside our room and let us


    Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    show you what real ss is?¡±


    Hannah was also full of pride. She instructed the pretty waitresses, ¡°Girls, please put our stuff in the


    room first.¡±


    ¡°Sure, ma''am,¡± the pretty girls replied sweetly.


    Only then did the father-and-son pair realize that the people carrying the Hinton''s stuff were the four


    pretty girls who had weed them previously.


    Only one waiter had led them in. He was not really concerned about them.


    The great difference in treatment was obvious.


    It was the Herberts'' turn to be embarrassed.


    Daniel continued, ¡°Hannah, Lacey, you both go in first.¡±


    ¡°I''ll stay here with Zeke to smoke and speak to Hospital Director Herbert for a while.¡±


    Hannah had not shown off enough and so, she was not willing to enter the room yet. In the end, it was


    Lacey who dragged her into the room.


    Daniel and Zeke sat beside the Herberts and gave each one of them a cigarette.


    Daniel spoke, ¡°I had wanted to phone you to invite you to Lacey''s wedding dinner. However, since we


    have met today, I might as well inform you in person.¡±


    William''s heart was full of jealousy as he spoke, ¡°Uncle Hinton, how can you decide with such haste


    about a wedding? As far as I know, these two haven''t known each other for long. It''s better to be


    careful. We can see a person''s appearance, but we cannot see what lies in the heart.¡±


    Daniel smiled. ¡°Oh! That''s old history. Young people nowadays have the freedom to find their own


    mates. We elderly should stay out of that. Wealth isn''t the most important. The most important thing is


    that they like each other. Furthermore, those without power and money cannot win Lacey''s heart. I


    have faith in her discernment.¡±


    Immediately, the Herberts blushed ufortably.


    Daniel was obviously telling them that they could notpare with his son-inw''s wealth and power.


    Zeke smiled. ¡°Father, let us go back to our room. Let''s not make mother and Lacey wait for too long.¡±


    Daniel nodded. ¡°Yeah, we should head back. Old Herbert,e by for a drinkter.¡±


    With that, the two got up and left.


    Lawrence did not reply. He puffed hard on his cigarette to vent his dissatisfaction.


    A pretty waitress hurried to Lawrence Herbert''s side, saying, ¡°Sir, smoking isn''t allowed in the main


    dining room. Please put it out.¡±


    Lawrence got so angry he lost the rhythm of his regr breathing.


    Just moments ago, when Daniel Hinton and Zeke were smoking there, it was allowed.


    The moment they leave, smoking wasn''t allowed in the main dining hall?


    What type of regtion is this?

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40


    At the doorway, Daniel turned around, ¡°Young miss, do me a favour. Let them finish smoking.¡±


    The pretty waitress replied, ¡°Alright, that''s fine, Sir.¡±


    Lawrence Herbert was too furious for words.


    F***


    As soon as they entered the room, Zeke gave Daniel a thumbs up and a little ttery. ¡°Dad, that was


    awesome.¡±


    Danielughed heartily. ¡°Haha! Of course. You all should have seen how Lawrence Herbert''s face


    turned beet red just now! After being oppressed by Lawrence Herbert in the hospital for so long, it''s the


    first time he has suffered in my hands.¡±


    Hannah Lawson was not pleased. She scolded Daniel, ¡°You fool, why did you ask me toe in here


    first? I wanted to tell them that our Zeke has taken the old hospital director as an apprentice. Even the


    director of the Industrial and Commercial Bureau has to show respect to Zeke. His son is nothing


    Zeke felt on top of the world.


    Seated nearby, Lacey felt speechless and helpless.


    To be truthful, she did not agree with her parent''s way of handling the situation.


    However, the way things turned out was indeed satisfying.


    Hannah continued grumbling for a little while before she started looking at the menu.


    After reading a few pages of the menu, Hannah sighed, ¡°The food in this big hotel isn''t expensive,


    some only cost ten bucks a te.¡±


    Lacey frowned, ¡°Really? How can that be possible?¡±


    Hannah lifted the menu up. ¡°You take a look. I won''t lie to you.¡±


    Lacey nced at it and suddenlyughed, ¡°Mom, read carefully, the price is in thousands!¡±


    ¡°This dish costs ten thousand, not ten.¡±


    What!


    Hannah could not believe her eyes, ¡°Ten thousand a dish? Is this dish made of gold?¡±


    Daniel puffed hard on his cigarette to hide his shock. ¡°Hmm, olddies know so little. In here, ten


    thousand a dish is considered normal.¡±


    Hannah red at Daniel, ¡°You speak as if you''re not shocked yourself. Look, your cigarette butt is


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    about to burn your lips.¡±


    ¡°Oh? My gosh!¡± Daniel quickly spat out the butt. There was a blister on his lip.


    Hannah sighed, ¡°Just one dish in here is almost Daniel''s sry for one month. Zeke, we really cannot


    afford this. Let''s go to another restaurant.¡±


    Zeke smiled. ¡°Dad and mom, just order as you wish. Our expenditure here is free.¡±


    Free of charge!


    The whole Hinton family gazed at Zeke in shock.


    How high his status must be to be worthy of such privilege!


    In the main dining hall, Lawrence and his son were seething with fury. They had been thoroughly


    humiliated.


    Lawrence said with gritted teeth, ¡°Damn it. Isn''t that Zeke a toy boy for Lacey? How could he have so


    much influence?¡±


    William chided, ¡°Father, put that aside for now. Later, when you treat Mr. Raynor, we''ll be respected by


    him if he''s cured and recovered. When that happens, we can ask Mr. Raynor to cancel Zeke''s


    membership and drive him out. Our humiliation would be avenged.¡±


    Lawrence nodded, ¡°Hmm, you''re right. Yes, William, you have to work hard, too. When Mr. Raynor''s


    daughter Susan Raynorester, you must impress her and win her hand. If you''re married to


    Susan Raynor, our family''s status can easily be higher than that of Daniel Hinton''s family.¡±


    Williamughed, ¡°Father, don''t worry. I''ve already checked Susan Raynor''s background. I guarantee I''ll


    capture her heart. Look, she''s here.¡±


    Not far away, two attractive figures could be seen approaching. Heads were turning their way.


    One of them must be Mr. Raynor''s daughter, Susan Raynor.


    The other was Emily Clemons!


    It was a long story. The opportunity for Lawrence Herbert toe and treat Mr. Raynor was Emily


    Clemons'' doing.

 Chapter 41

    Chapter 41


    Emily Clemons and Susan Raynor had attended the same university. They had been hostel mates and


    had a good rtionship.


    Later on, Susan went abroad to further her studies and the two graduallymunicated less and less.


    Now that Susan was back, Emily could not wait to get in touch with her and be in her good books once


    again.


    Although Susan Raynor''s family was not among the top four prominent and respected families, her


    family was still considered respectable. It was to Emily Clemons'' advantage to be close to Susan.


    She heard that Susan''s father suffered from a severe, intractable headache and for a long time, had


    sought treatment in vain.


    So, she contacted Lawrence Herbert, asking him to try and treat Mr. Raynor.


    Whether he could be treated sessfully or otherwise, at the very least, it would show that she cared.


    Susan would surely be grateful.


    Susan spoke, worriedly, ¡°Emily, my dad has seen many famous doctors, including some from abroad.


    None of them could help. Can this doctor you''ve rmended... really cure him?¡±


    Emily consoled her. ¡°Don''t worry. The doctor I''ve rmended is a leader in the medical industry, not


    just in Oakheart City but in the whole of Rivermouth province. Even if it can''t be curedpletely, there


    will at least be some curative effect, which can relieve Uncle Raynor''s suffering.¡±


    Susan sighed, ¡°I guess trying is better than not trying at all.¡±


    At this moment, William and Lawrence had walked up to meet them.


    William took one look at Susan Raynor and was immediately besotted with her.


    He looked at Susan with fascination feeling as if he was about to drool.


    Susan was quite put off by his gaze.


    When Emily introduced them to one another, William wanted to shake Susan''s hand, but she ignored


    him. ¡°Come, let''s go. I shall bring you to meet my father.¡±


    William was a bit embarrassed, but he did not say anything. As he followed her lead, never once did he


    take his eyes off her buttocks.


    While on the way, Emily suddenly received a call from Jackson Hamilton. There was something urgent


    he had to discuss with her at the office.


    So, Emily had to leave.


    Susan brought Lawrence and his son to her father''s room.


    Although Mr. Raynor was just in his early sixties, his illness had changed him into an old man looking


    like someone in his seventies or eighties, with grey hair and a listless spirit.


    Even now, he held his head with both hands, hitting his head with his fists and groaning in pain every


    once in a while.


    Apparently, his headache was back again.


    Susan rushed forward and massaged her father''s head, feeling sad for him. ¡°Father, I''ve invited


    Rivermouth''s best doctor in this field toe and visit you. Let him treat you. Your headache will be


    gone in no time.¡±


    Mr. Raynor sighed sadly, ¡°Oh, my illness, I know it well. There is no cure. You mustn''t worry about me.


    Just take care of the hotel''s business. That''s all you need to do.¡±


    Susan persisted, ¡°Dad, the doctor is already here. There''s no harm trying. Who knows, it might actually


    work this time.¡±


    Mr. Raynor was resigned. ¡°Alright, then. Just do what you want to.¡±


    Susan quickly signalled Lawrence to begin.


    Lawrence swiftly went forward, took out his box of acupuncture instruments and said, ¡°Master, please


    don''t move. I''m giving you acupuncture treatment now. I''m not iming that ''when the needle arrives,


    illness departs'', but at the very least, it will lessen much of your pain.¡±


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Suddenly, Mr. Raynor broke out inughter.


    He did not know how skilful this man was as an acupuncturist, but for sure, he was a skilful fibber.


    So many brain specialists from various countries had been consulted but were unable to find a cure. It


    would be quite odd if a little Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner could help.


    Mr. Raynor''s first impression of Lawrence Herbert wasn''t good.


    Lawrence Herbert skilfully inserted acupuncture needles on Mr. Raynor.


    As an experienced TCM practitioner, he did it with dexterity.


    As the Chinese saying goes, ''a person who knows can discern skill while a person who does not, can


    only watch as a spectator''.


    Susan Raynor had no knowledge of acupuncture. As she watched Lawrence Herbert''s skill and


    dexterity, she felt herself grow more and more hopeful.

 Chapter 42

    Chapter 42


    Quite quickly, the acupuncture was done.


    Mr. Raynor''s head was covered with silver needles, causing him to resemble a hedgehog.


    Lawrence let out a sigh of relief. ¡°It''s done, the treatment is done. After five minutes, the needles will be


    removed. More than 50% of the pain should be gone after.¡±


    Gratefully, Susan said, ¡°Thank you Mr. Herbert...¡±


    However, before she could finish speaking, she distinctly noticed the corners of her father''s mouth


    twitched.


    Following that, his whole body started twitching. His body went limp, and he slumped downwards.


    Oh!


    Susan grew rmed, ¡°Dad, are you alright?¡±


    Lawrence Herbert reacted quickly, catching Mr. Raynor before he fell onto the floor.


    After observing Mr. Raynor, Lawrence Herbert broke out in a cold sweat.


    Mr. Raynor''s face paled, and his breathing was irregr. It was obvious that the acupuncture Lawrence


    had given him had failed and caused blockage of blood vessels in the brain.


    It was highly possible that his brain could suffer irreparable damage.


    He had seriously underestimated the condition of Mr. Raynor''s illness.


    Blood began flowing out of Mr. Raynor''s ears.


    This was... a sign of cerebral infarction!


    Without proper treatment, Mr. Raynor would most certainly have a cerebral infarction. The probability of


    death was 70 to 80 percent.


    However, with the few instruments he had brought, there was no way he could treat the patient in the


    present situation.


    It''s over for me. If anything happens to Mr. Raynor and if the Raynor family were to hold me


    responsible, with their influence and power, I''m done for.


    Susan panicked. ¡°Mr. Herbert, what''s happening to my dad?¡±


    Lawrence swallowed, taking deep breaths to calm himself down.


    Stealthily, unseen by anyone, he brushed away the blood from Mr. Raynor''s ears. Pretending to be


    calm, he said, ¡°It''s nothing, just a normal reaction. I cannot do the following step alone. William, go and


    get Daniel Hinton to assist me.¡±


    He was preparing to frame Daniel for what had happened and put the me on Daniel.


    William soon realized that something was wrong. Quickly, he ran to Daniel for help.


    At Daniel''s table, the family were happily enjoying their tasty meal.


    Upon hearing William''s words that a life was in danger, Daniel Hinton grew immediately anxious.


    Many doctors care about their patients, and to someone like Daniel Hinton, a patient''s life was the most


    important. He got ready to go and help.


    Hannah, on the other hand, held a different opinion.


    Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    She disliked Lawrence''s family and did not want Daniel to go and help them.


    William begged, ¡°I''m begging you. Please do not dy. Or else, someone might really die.


    Furthermore, if Mr. Raynor is cured, would he not reward you? This is the opportunity for your family to


    rise above being mediocre.¡±


    Hannah was, atst, convinced. Reluctantly, she agreed to let Daniel go.


    The whole family followed William to Mr. Raynor''s room.


    Lawrence instructed Daniel Hinton, ¡°Daniel, you hold Mr. Raynor''s head steady for me, and I''ll perform


    the acupuncture.¡±


    Daniel hurriedly replied, ¡°Yes, I''ll do that.¡±


    As he was going to help, Zeke stopped him. ¡°Dad, you''d better stay out of this.¡±


    Zeke had seen Mr. Raynor showing signs of cerebral infarction. Lawrence and Daniel were not in a


    position to treat him. In fact, they could only endanger him further.


    Susan Raynor red angrily at Zeke. ¡°If you will not help the dying, how can you be worthy of the title


    ''doctor''?¡±


    Daniel pushed Zeke''s hand aside and walked up to help. He said, ¡°Ms. Raynor is right. Zeke, do not


    stop me. Saving a life is important.¡±


    Zeke sighed.


    Oh! It seems like I shall have to save a life today.


    Daniel Hinton held Mr. Raynor''s head steady for Lawrence Herbert who was disinfecting the needles to


    use for acupuncture.


    However, as he was ready to insert the acupuncture needles, he stared at Daniel Hinton and


    eximed, ¡°Damn it! Daniel, did you touch the silver needles I inserted just now in Mr. Raynor''s scalp?


    There''s blood flowing out of Mr. Raynor''s ears! This''s an indication of cerebral infarction... It''s all


    because of you messing with the silver needles I had inserted just now!¡±


    ¡°What!¡± The term ''cerebral infarction'' struck fear in Susan''s mind like a thunderbolt.


    Susan Raynor cked out and slumped onto the sofa.


    Cerebral infarction may result in the loss of life.

 Chapter 43

    Chapter 43


    Daniel Hinton was confused. ¡°No... I didn''t touch any silver needle. When I held Mr. Raynor just now,


    there was already blood oozing from his ears.¡±


    ¡°You''re lying!¡± Lawrence Herbert said angrily. ¡°I had done a good acupuncture job on Mr. Raynor. He


    was about to wake up. You''re to me for messing with the needles. Now the acupuncture technique


    has failed... you''ve killed Mr. Raynor. You''re a murderer. Ms. Raynor, quickly, get some guards to seize


    this murderer.¡±


    With gritted teeth, Susan Raynor''s eyes reddened as she called out, ¡°Security guards, apprehend this


    whole family.¡±


    At that moment, she was confused and had no time to think. She just epted everything Lawrence


    said as the truth.


    From outside the entrance, two huge muscr security guards came in. Their physiques were


    formidable enough.


    Lacey''s family were frightened out of their wits.


    Murder. Furthermore, the victim was Mr. Raynor. How could they take the me?


    Hannah and Lacey started begging Susan Raynor.


    Susan Raynor paid them no heed. Instead, she ordered the security guards to seize Daniel Hinton.


    Daniel had a mental breakdown.


    Only then did he realize there was a high probability that Lawrence had set him up.


    Lawrence had wanted to shift the me to him.


    He truly regretted not listening to Zeke who had warned him not to be involved in the acupuncture


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    treatment.


    Now, not only did he step into the trap. He had alsopromised his family as well.


    He gritted his teeth and red at Lawrence. ¡°Lawrence Herbert, you scoundrel, you set me up!¡±


    Lawrence Herbert smiled as his evil n had sessfully been carried out.


    A security guard stretched out his hand to seize Daniel.


    However, Zeke moved faster.


    He caught both security guards by the throat, raised them in the air and then let them go.


    Both guards were flung outward.


    The whole ordeal took less than three seconds. Neither of the guards had enough time to react.


    Zeke steadied Daniel Hinton with his hand saying, ¡°Dad, don''t worry. When you epted me into the


    family, I promised you that no matter what challenges we face, I''ll take them on for you.¡±


    Daniel was in despair.


    You''ll take them on for us? With what power can you do that?


    In this present situation, not even if gods descended from heaven could Mr. Raynor be brought back to


    life.


    He lowered his voice and said, ¡°Go, quickly take Lacey and leave. Do not worry about us.¡±


    Lawrence began to shout, ¡°Ms. Raynor, call the police. Quick, call the police. This man has been in jail


    before. If he leaves, it will be difficult to catch him.¡±


    Susan grabbed the phone in a panic and called the police.


    Zeke yelled angrily, ¡°Unfilial! You''re not thinking about helping your father but thinking of calling the


    police! How stupid of you!¡±


    Lawrence argued back. ¡°What''s there to help? Mr. Raynor is suffering from cerebral infarction. It will


    lead to brain death in less than half an hour, and he will not even have time to get to the doctor.¡±


    Zeke said, ¡°I can save him.¡±


    Lawrence Herbert asked, ¡°Do you even have a medical degree?¡±


    ¡°No, I do not.¡±


    ¡°Ms. Raynor, you''ve heard what he said. He isn''t a qualified doctor... call the police, quickly. Don''t let


    him touch your father!¡±


    Zeke had walked up to Mr. Raynor and was ready to give him acupuncture.


    Zeke had invented the technique known as ''Ammo Needle''; it had amazing effects.


    Susan grew frantic. ¡°Ridiculous! Don''t you dare touch my father!¡±


    At that moment, two more security guards heard themotion and rushed in.


    Susan Raynor hurriedly ordered, ¡°Quickly, stop him. Don''t allow him to touch my father!¡±


    As the two security guards were about to make a move, Zeke suddenly grabbed the teacup next to him


    and squeezed hard.


    The porcin cup turned into powder on the spot, flowing out between his fingers!


    ¡°I have the power to save him or kill him. If any dares to obstruct me, I will let him end up like this


    teacup!¡±


    When the God of War disyed his power, he was unstoppable.


    Everyone present was stunned by the disy of immense power. No one dared to move.


    The feeling... it was as if this man had turned into a huge mountain of might that can only be seen from


    afar and was unapproachable.

 Chapter 44

    Chapter 44


    Zeke patiently applied needles on Mr. Raynor''s back to heal him with acupuncture.


    After two minutes, Susan Raynor recovered from her shock.


    Through gritted teeth, she spoke, ¡°Shameless man, if you dare hurt my father, I''d demand you pay with


    your life.¡±


    Daniel was sweating anxiously as he cried out, ¡°Zeke, stop, stop quickly. You do not have the ability to


    help him. To treat cerebral infarction, the only way is to do a craniotomy. Any other action may cost him


    his life!¡±


    The moment Daniel spoke, Zeke stopped.


    However, he stopped not because of Daniel''s order but because he had finished his treatment.


    He was very satisfied with this acupuncture and walked to Lacey with a smile on his face. ¡°Lacey,


    please pour me a ss of water.¡±


    Lacey red at him in anger and ignored his request.


    At that point, there was no movement or sound from Mr. Raynor. She thought he had died.


    Susan, too, thought the same.


    She turned beet red and gritted her teeth in anger. ¡°Zeke, I want you to die. Your whole family, too.


    Dad, don''t you worry. I''ll avenge you!¡±


    At this moment, the motionless Mr. Raynor suddenly opened his eyes.


    ¡°Susan, what''s going on? What happened just now?¡±


    Oh!


    After that exmation, the group was suddenly silent.


    Mr. Raynor isn''t dead. He''s just awoken!


    This young man had turned death into a miracle of life with just a silver needle and healed the condition


    that only a craniotomy could save?


    A miracle! This was indeed a miracle!


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Susan Raynor rushed to her father''s side, weeping and crying. ¡°Dad, you''re awake... I was so


    frightened just now. I thought you were...¡±


    ¡°Dad, how do you feel now?¡±


    Mr. Raynor closed his eyes, trying to concentrate on his feelings.


    After a moment, he opened eyes wide, and they shone with joy.


    ¡°Unbelievable, unbelievable... I don''t feel a headache anymore! There is some pain on my scalp like


    needle pricks, but it''s nothingpared to the pain of sensory nerves I''ve suffered before.¡±


    Zekeughed scornfully, ¡°There are so many needles stuck on your scalp. That''s why you feel the


    needle pricks.¡±


    Lawrence quickly came to his senses. He went forward to bow and cried out, ¡°Mr. Raynor,


    congrattions! At first, I was thinking of just trying my acupuncture technique on you. I never thought


    it would really work. Don''t move, I''ll remove all the silver needles I''ve inserted just now.¡±


    Lawrence was trying to take all the credit for himself.


    Mr. Raynor looked at Lawrence Herbert in gratitude, ¡°Mr. Herbert, you sure are a Divine Doctor! I... I


    don''t know how to thank you enough. If there''s anything you need, I will not refuse you in the future.¡±


    Lawrence and William Herbert were so happy they could cry.


    However, Zeke snorted, ¡°Mr. Raynor, you''re thanking the wrong person.¡±


    Mr. Raynor scolded Zeke, ¡°Who are you? How dare you speak so rudely to me!¡±


    Zeke said, ¡°I''m the one who just saved your life. It was I who used acupuncture to bring you back to


    life. If not for me, Lawrence Herbert would have killed you with his needles.¡±


    Lawrence Herbert said furiously, ¡°You... you''re talking nonsense! It was I who performed acupuncture


    on Mr. Raynor and healed him of his headache. You don''t even have a medical degree. The needles


    you used had no effect.¡±


    Zeke sneered, ¡°Why don''t you ask Mr. Raynor, which needle inserted caused him so much pain that he


    fainted. Furthermore, ask him which needle inserted healed him from unconsciousness.¡±


    Susan Raynor suddenly realized something and asked, ¡°Father, do tell us, how did the acupuncture


    affect you?¡±


    Lawrence Herbert had inserted needles on his scalp while Zeke'' acupuncture had been done on his


    back.


    Once it has been made clear which needle had awoken him, the truth would be known.

 Chapter 45

    Chapter 45


    Mr. Raynor thought carefully.


    ¡°The needles had firstly been inserted on my scalp. It felt painful as if I was burning like fire. It only


    grew more and more painful. The pain was as if I was being burnt by magma! It was so bad that I


    fainted.¡±


    He continued, ¡°After that, from my back flowed in a cool feeling. It was veryfortable. The cool


    feeling pushed back the burning sensation from my scalp, causing me to wake up. Now, my brain feels


    cool. Not only is the pain gone, but I can also think clearly now.¡±


    The truth was finally revealed.


    Lawrence Herbert had nearly killed Mr. Raynor, while Zeke had brought him back to life from the brink


    of death.


    Lawrence looked at Zeke with eyes full of fear. ¡°Impossible, that''s impossible... The only way to treat


    cerebral infarction is craniotomy. How can he be cured only by acupuncture...¡±


    Smack!


    Susan Raynor was furious. She pped Lawrence''s face hard.


    ¡°Scoundrel, quack doctor, you almost killed my father! You have to be punished. Security, hand them to


    mywyer and prosecute them for attempted murder!¡±


    Attempted murder was a serious crime punishable by time in prison.


    Lawrence Herbert and his son were terrified. They begged Susan Raynor not to prosecute them.


    Nevertheless, the furious Susan ignored their pleas.


    Lawrence had no choice but to beg Daniel, ¡°Daniel, Daniel, please beg your son-inw to help us. I


    can''t go to prison. I have parents to take care of and children who depend on me. You help me now


    and I will give my position of assistant director to you.¡±


    Daniel Hinton was tempted.


    The position of assistant director at the hospital was indeed deSirable. He could be working under only


    one superior and have many subordinates.


    However, before he could reply, the security guards took Lawrence away.


    Susan bowed lowly to Zeke. ¡°Divine Doctor, I''m sorry I used you wrongly just now. Thank you for


    saving my father. The Raynor family owes you a great debt.¡±


    With that, she took out two cards.


    A bank card and a shiny golden membership card.


    ¡°In this bank card is ten million. This is the fee payable to the Divine Doctor. The other card is the


    Supreme VIP Card for my line of hotels. With this cardes lifelong privilege at my hotels. You may


    use everything free of charge.¡±


    The Hinton family were astonished


    The Raynor family was truly generous. She was paying ten million for medical fees.


    She was also giving them lifelong privileges at their hotels.


    These gifts were really too valuable. Hannah did not dare ept the cards. ¡°This, Ms. Raynor, is too


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    much. We dare not ept the cards.¡±


    ¡°Please ept, or else for the rest of my life, I would feel indebted,¡± Susan Raynor begged them.


    Still, Hannah Lawson did not dare ept the cards.


    Zeke could see that Hannah really wanted the cards.


    He said, ¡°Mother ept them if you wish to.¡±


    Upon hearing those words from Zeke, Hannah carefully took the cards in her hands and held them


    tight, as if afraid someone would snatch them from her.


    Zeke said, ¡°You all must have finished eating. Let''s go now.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes. Let us leave now,¡± Daniel replied quickly.


    ¡°Please wait.¡± Mr. Raynor called out after knowing that the Hinton family had saved him.


    ¡°Is there anything else?¡± Zeke paused in his steps.


    Mr. Raynor said, ¡°Mr. Hinton, which hospital do you work in? I believe you seem interested in the


    position of assistant director. I have friends in the medical industry. I can make some arrangements. Mr.


    Hinton, please let me have your contact details.¡±


    It will be advantageous to keep in touch with this Divine Doctor.

 Chapter 46

    Chapter 46


    Daniel was wild with joy. He immediately told them his name and contact number.


    Susan and her father brought him back to the Hinston family''s ce.


    Mr. Raynor heaved a euphoric sigh of relief. ¡°I knew it. There are a lot of prominent figures in Oakheart


    City.¡±


    Susan was overwhelmed as well. ¡°You''re right. It''s such a shame! Someone like him will give the TCM


    practitioners something to be proud of on an international level.¡±


    Mr. Raynor replied, ¡°Let''s forget about the Hinton family for the time being. I told you to be on the


    lookout for Mr. Zeke. Is he here yet?¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± Susan shuddered all of a sudden. ¡°Dad, do you mean the guest we are weing today is...


    Zeke?¡±


    Mr. Raynor was confused. ¡°Yes. What about it?¡±


    ¡°Dad, that man just now was none other than Zeke,¡± Susan Raynor told her father.


    ¡°What?¡± Mr. Raynor was shocked.


    He lost himself in his thoughts for quite some time. ¡°Our boss'' boss is such a young and exceptional


    man? I mean, he has such great medical skills.¡±


    ¡°His peers are no match for him at all. Too bad! He''s already married, or else...¡± Mr. Raynor took a peek


    at Susan before he finished his sentence.


    Susan blushed all of a sudden because she knew what her father was up to.


    ¡°Dad, what are you talking about? I don''t want to be married to anyone else apart from the Great


    Marshal!¡±


    ¡°Fine! Fine! I get it!¡± Mr. Raynor was speechless and found his daughter hrious at the same time.


    Susan is a capable youngdy, but she has an overly high expectation when ites to her


    rtionships.


    The Great Marshal is someone beyond our reach.


    If the Great Marshal is the benchmark she has for her future partner, I''m afraid she''s gonna spend the


    rest of her life alone.


    Susan called Emily the moment she reached her office.


    ¡°Emi! I have great news! I''ve met a skilled doctor! I''m sure he will be able to treat your father!¡±


    Emily sighed, ¡°He has been in a vegetative state for five years. The doctors havee to a unanimous


    agreement that it''s over for him.¡±


    ¡°I don''t think there will be anyone who''ll be capable to treat my dad... Susan, thank you so much, but


    you don''t have to worry about my dad.¡±


    ¡°Emi, I''m serious! I''m sure he will be able to treat your father!¡± Susan assured Emily.


    ¡°He managed to heal my dad''s cerebral infarction through acupuncture. I''m sure he cane up with


    something to deal with your father''s vegetative state!¡±


    ¡°What? Are you serious?¡± Emily was shocked. ¡°Did he seriously heal your dad''s condition through


    acupuncture? We can consider that a medical miracle!¡±


    ¡°If that''s the case, I''m sure he will be able to treat my father as well! Susan, please tell me how I can


    get in touch with him! I will employ every single resource I have if that''s what it takes to hire him.¡±


    Susan sighed, ¡°He''s an exceptional man. He''s my father''s boss'' boss.¡±


    ¡°I''m afraid he might get irritated if you were to get in touch with him out of the blue.¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry! I will bring this up and ask for his help when the timees!¡±


    Emily expressed her gratitude over and over again.


    Susan stared at the gigantic photo on the wall and lost herself in the process of thought right after she


    hung up the call.


    It was a photo of his idol, the Great Marshal''s back.


    She stared at Zeke''s back when he was treating her father with acupuncture techniques and realized


    that he seemed like the Great Marshal.


    Susan''s heart pounded furiously. She felt as though she had fallen head over heels for Zeke.


    Have I... fallen in love with him?


    Suddenly, she blushed when that wild idea shed through her mind. She immediately lowered her


    head and stopped staring at the picture on the wall.


    ¡°Susan! You''re from a prominent family as well! How could you fantasize about having a rtionship


    with a married man?¡±


    ¡°Pull yourself together, Susan! Urghhhh!¡±


    She was certain if her close acquaintances were to run into her, they would be shocked because of


    what she was doing.


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    After all, she had always been an indifferent woman in front of others, yet she was currently behaving


    like a cute little girl.

 Chapter 47

    Chapter 47


    Emily got in touch with her mother, Madeleine, almost immediately.


    She told her about the great news she had received. Someone who might be capable of treating her


    father, her husband, had shown up.


    Madeleine shed tears of joy. She urged Emily and told her to procure the skilled practitioner''s help at all


    costs. No matter what it would take, they were determined to save Emily''s father.


    Emily hung up the call and walked into the building of Hamilton Construction.


    Jackson had called her and asked her to drop by thepany in an anxious manner previously.


    Hence, she rushed over as he had requested.


    Meanwhile, Jackson was throwing a tantrum inside his office.


    Darren Collins had the guts to stab the heir of the Hamilton family in front of the Hamilton''s. Because of


    this, Jackson was enraged and about to lose his cool.


    He vented his anger on Emily the moment she showed up.


    ¡°Emily, you damned b****! Look at what you''ve done!¡±


    Emily shuddered in fear when she saw him going ballistic. ¡°Jackson, what''s wrong?¡±


    ¡°You idiot! It''s your fault! You''re the one who suggested the idea!¡± scolded Jackson.


    ¡°Darren turned his back against me and stabbed me! Are you sure you''re not one of his aplices?


    Everything seems too suspicious!¡±


    Emily was dumbfounded when she heard his words.


    She was the one who had goaded Jackson into action previously. Emily told Jackson to coerce the


    supplier and stop supplying Lacey with the steels her mill would require.


    Emily was certain Lacey''s steel mill wouldn''t have made it through the crisis.


    However, she managed to brace herself through the crisis and returned the favour to Jackson instead.


    He was backstabbed as a result.


    Emily immediately begged for forgiveness. ¡°Jackson, I''d never set you up with Darren. It''s a


    misunderstanding! It must be a misunderstanding!¡±


    Jackson was enraged. ¡°Get the hell out of mypany! No subsidiary of the Hamilton Group will


    employ such an employee like you anymore!¡±


    ¡°I will deal with the Hinton family on my own! You should stop getting in my way!¡±


    A chill ran down Emily''s spine when she heard Jackson''s words.


    She was a procurement specialist for the Hamilton family. In fact, she enjoyed her role because she


    would bepensated handsomely in terms of money.


    Her life would be turned upside down should she lose her job as a procurement specialist.


    She begged Jackson to show him mercy and even tried to seduce him.


    However, Jackson was determined to terminate Emily because he deemed her as the one behind his


    misery.


    In the end, Emily had to pack her stuff and leave Hamilton Construction''s building.


    She was pale and haggard with her mind all over the ce.


    Emily stared at the passerby on the street and lost herself in her thoughts.


    She had no idea what to do next.


    Suddenly, a brochure on the ground caught her attention.


    She picked it up and went through the content of it.


    The Schneider family, one of the top conglomerates in Oakheart City was hiring.


    Her eyes gleamed when she saw the position of a procurement specialist.


    She had managed to generate a fortune while she was attached to the Hamilton family.


    Emily was certain she would be able to gain more with the Schneider family.


    ¡°I''m afraid I can barely meet the minimum requirements with my capability. Oh! Susan''s hotel is one of


    the Schneider family''s assets!¡±


    ¡°I''m sure Susan will be able to help me! If she''s willing to help me, I''m sure I will be able to make the


    cut!¡±


    She immediately called Susan after she made up her mind.


    Susan epted her invitation without any hesitation. She would keep Emilypany and follow her to


    the Schneider family''s ce for her interview tomorrow.


    Emily was delighted because Susan promised to employ her connections to help her. She expressed


    her gratitude over and over again.


    ...


    It was gettingte in the evening.


    Lacey spent some time with her family in the living room watching TV after their dinner session. It was


    a heartwarming scene.


    Daniel reached for a cigarette and handed it over to Zeke. ¡°Zeke, join me. A cigarette after dinner is the


    best.¡±


    Zeke took the cigarette. ¡°Thanks, dad.¡±


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Lacey knitted her eyebrows. ¡°Zeke, put the cigarette out. Have you forgotten what I''ve told you? I will


    only allow you to court me if you quit smoking.¡±

 Chapter 48

    Chapter 48


    Daniel rolled his eyes. ¡°Silly girl! What are you talking about? What''s wrong with Zeke smoking to


    release his stress?¡±


    ¡°It''s what a man does to get rid of umted pressure! It''s the same for drinking! Zeke, just forget


    about her! Join me!¡±


    Lacey was irritated as she turned to Hannah instead. ¡°Mom, look at dad! Hurry up and put their


    cigarettes out!¡±


    However, her mother decided to take Daniel''s side instead. ¡°I think your father is right.¡±


    ¡°Daniel, why don''t you go get some of your precious Yellow Crane Tower and share it with Zeke?¡±


    ¡°Zeke, please pay no heed to Lacey''s words. She must have been spoiled by us back in the day.¡±


    Lacey''s parents finally realized how exceptional Zeke was after what happened today. Hence, their


    attitude changed as they finally learned how to cherish his presence.


    Lacey was speechless at how her parents reacted.


    Arghhhh! Mom! How can you betray me! You were the one who set the rules! You said no cigarettes


    allowed at home!


    Lacey felt irritated as she sat aside on her own, ignoring the three of them.


    Daniel returned with the Yellow Crane Tower he saved up for special asions. He handed over a


    pack to Zeke.


    ¡°Zeke, Lacey and you aren''t young anymore. Both of you should get married as soon as possible. I


    mean, you guys don''t want us to worry about you guys, right?¡± Hannah urged them.


    Zeke nodded. ¡°Mm. Mom, that''s what I have in mind as well. I know Lacey has always wanted a grand


    wedding ceremony.¡±


    ¡°Hence, I wish to hold a grand wedding ceremony at a grand hall that can amodate at least ten


    thousand guests.¡±


    ¡°Do you think you''re organizing a concert? A grand hall that can amodate ten thousand guests? I


    don''t think such a venue exists in Oakheart City,¡± Lacey mocked her husband.


    Zeke replied nonchntly. ¡°Are you sure? If that''s the case, I''ll build one myself!¡±


    ¡°Haha,¡± Lacey replied in a contemptuous manner.


    Zeke felt speechless all of a sudden because he couldn''t figure out what his wife meant with that


    contemptuous reply.


    Are you looking down on me? Hmph! We shall see! I will impress you and take you by surprise once


    I''m done building it!


    Daniel and Hannah decided to call it a day and returned to their room after the TV session they had


    together.


    Lacey red at Zeke with an irritated expression on her face. ¡°Hmph! Don''t you dare to take advantage


    of my parents just because they''re on your side! I will not allow you to have it your way!¡±


    ¡°If you go against my words again in the future, I... Get ready to spend the rest of your life on the


    couch!¡±


    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Lacey returned to her room angrily right after she finished her sentence.


    Zeke heaved a long sigh as he looked in the direction of Lacey''s room.


    Meanwhile, Daniel and Hannah saw Zeke sleeping on the couch through the peephole of their


    bedroom door.


    Daniel broke the silence. ¡°Sigh, Lacey went overboard again. How will she conceive if they aren''t


    sleeping together?¡±


    Suddenly, Hannah suggested. ¡°We should give Zeke a hand, right?¡±


    Daniel asked curiously, ¡°What should we do?¡±


    Hannah reached for the pillow and handed it over to Daniel.


    Daniel finally figured out what Hannah was up to and gave her a thumbs up. ¡°My dear, you''re so


    smart!¡±


    Hannah urged, ¡°Stop talking and let''s get going already!¡±


    She pushed Daniel out of their room with all her might and scolded him. ¡°Daniel, how dare you keep


    me in the dark about your fortune? Go spend the night on the couch!¡±


    Daniel shouted in return, ¡°Fine! Do you really think I wish to spend the night by your side?¡±


    The irritated man held on to the pillow he had with him and walked towards the couch. ¡°Zeke, why don''t


    you join Lacey in her room? I have to spend the night here.¡±


    Zeke was speechless because he saw right through their n.


    Seriously? That''s such a horrible acting from them. It seems like they''re going all out to y


    matchmaker with us.


    Zeke nodded immediately. ¡°Alright, dad.¡±


    He decided to grab the opportunity they had created for him instead of wasting it like a fool.


    Zeke held on to his pillow and stood in front of Lacey''s room. His hand trembled as he tried to knock on


    her door.


    Zeke got worked up all of a sudden because he didn''t expect happiness to arrive so soon.

 Chapter 49

    Chapter 49


    Lacey, who was in her room, clenched her teeth with all her might. She had heard the conversation her


    father had with Zeke.


    She immediately figured out the intention behind her parents'' fight. It was obvious the fight was but a


    deliberate setup.


    Seriously? Are you guys sure I''m your daughter?


    What kind of parents would matchmake their daughter in such a manner?


    They actually tried to send him into my room? What the hell! Arghhhh!


    However, Lacey opened the door and allowed Zeke to enter her room in the end because she knew her


    parents wouldn''t give up until they achieved what they had in their minds.


    ¡°Lacey, please pardon my intrusion.¡± Zeke took a deep breath and enjoyed Lacey''s lingering scent in


    her room as he finished his sentence.


    Lacey instructed him in an irritated manner, ¡°You''re sleeping on the floor.¡±


    She headed over to the wardrobe and got him a quilt.


    Even the quilt smells great because it belongs to Lacey.


    Hey on the quilt once heid it on the floor. Zeke saw Lacey''s feet the moment he turned around.


    He saw her slender and porcin-like pair of legs. Her legs were as delicate as her.


    ¡°I heard that woman with a small pair of feet usually give birth to a daughter. I think a daughter is great!


    I can protect both of you.¡±


    Lacey''s face turned gloomy all of a sudden. ¡°You fool! Stop talking nonsense! You better stop, or else


    I''m going to throw you out from the window right now!¡±


    The next day morning, Lacey headed over to the steel mill and reported to work right after she washed


    herself up.


    She had be busier ever since they had procured another few factories.


    Zeke was heartbroken deep down. ¡°I definitely wouldn''t have allowed you to take over the factories if I


    knew this would happen.¡±


    He washed his face and headed out of Lacey''s room.


    Hannah had already prepared breakfast for Zeke. She greeted him enthusiastically the moment she


    saw him. ¡°Zeke, hurry up! Come over and try the dishes I prepared for you! I have made you some


    xiaolongbao.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, mom,¡± Zeke replied with a smile on his face.


    Daniel was delighted. ¡°You''re wee! We''re a family, after all!¡±


    Zeke was indeed hungry and chomped down all the food served.


    He finished a whole tray of xiaolongbaos almost instantly.


    Zeke wiped his mouth as he told Hannah, ¡°Mom, please pack a few of the xiaolongbaos for me. I will


    Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    drop by Lacey''s ce and bring her some. She left in such a hurry. I''m sure she hasn''t had her


    breakfast, right?¡±


    Hannah grinned. ¡°Sure! I''ll go pack some for you immediately.¡±


    Zeke left with the xiaolongbaos Hannah packed for him while Daniel walked out of their room.


    ¡°Zeke is a great man. Look at how he takes care of Lacey.¡±


    Hannah rolled her eyes as she was annoyed. ¡°You''re right. I mean, he''s definitely better than a


    heartless man like you!¡±


    Zeke headed over to the steel mill right away.


    He took a detour when he passed by the Schneider family''s building because he needed to get Evan to


    start working on the grand hall, he would need in the future for his grand wedding ceremony.


    Zeke ran into an acquaintance the moment he entered Schneider Tower.


    Susan was waiting for Emily as she would be tagging along with her to the interview session.


    She was surprised because she ran into Zeke before Emily was there. Susan rushed towards Zeke and


    greeted him.


    ¡°Mr. Williams, what a coincidence to run into you at the Schneider family''s ce!¡±


    Zeke replied nonchntly, ¡°Mm, I''m here to carry out my role as a supervisor.¡±


    ¡°Supervisor?¡± Susan was dumbfounded when she heard his words but managed to return to her


    senses almost instantly.


    Zeke was her father''s boss'' boss. Her father''s boss was Evan Schneider.


    That would indicate that Schneider Tower belonged to Zeke as well.


    Susan nodded. ¡°I''m sure Mr. Williams has a lot to deal with.¡±


    ¡°Can I have a few seconds of your time, Mr. Williams?¡±


    Zeke replied, ¡°Speak.¡±


    Susan reached for an invitation card she had with her. ¡°Ten dayster, the Global Medical Association


    Forum will be held in Oakheart City. My dad is an advisor of the said forum, and he would love to have


    you as an honourable guest. May I know if Mr. Williams is free on that particr day?¡±


    Zeke shook his head. ¡°I''m not free.¡±


    He walked away right after he finished his sentence, leaving Susan behind all alone.


    What? That''s it?


    However, Zeke turned around and returned to Susan before long. He took over the invitation card and


    exined in a callous tone, ¡°My dad might be interested.¡±


    He turned around and left once again after he finished his sentence.

 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50


    Susan pouted her lips in irritation. She threw several air punches in Zeke''s direction.


    ¡°Hmph! Something must have been wrong with you! How dare you treat me in such an indifferent


    manner!¡±


    Coincidentally, Emily, who made her way into the building, saw how irritated Susan was.


    She was shocked because Susan had always been known by others as an indifferent woman.


    Susan would get full of herself in front of others and behave arrogantly whenever she was around other


    men. It would make her seem as though she didn''t want any of them near her.


    However, Susan had actually pouted her lips and threw punches like an irritated little girl. Emily was


    utterly shocked and thought to herself.


    Has she... fallen in love? Oh, God! What kind of man could he possibly be to be able to conquer such


    an indifferent woman''s heart?


    Emily rushed over to Susan''s side. ¡°Susan, I''m so sorry, I''mte! I was caught in a traffic jam.¡±


    Susan finally returned to her usual indifferent self. ¡°Mm. It''s fine. Oh, Emily! I have great news for you! I


    ran into the man I told you about again!¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Emily got worked up all of a sudden. ¡°Where is he? Can I have an audience with him?¡±


    Susan told her, ¡°I''m afraid that''s impossible. He''s the Schneider family''s supervisor. He''s currently in


    the tower for work.¡±


    ¡°Apart from that, he''s a... callous man who tends to ignore others. Don''t worry! I have invited him to


    participate in the Global Medical Association Forum that will be held in ten days. I''m sure your mom will


    take part in the event, right? I''ll introduce him to you guys then.¡±


    Emily nodded vigorously. ¡°Thank you so much, Susan! You''re doing my family a huge favour!¡±


    Susan urged her, ¡°Let''s go! It''s time for your interview! We don''t want to bete!¡±


    Emily attempted to poke her nose into Susan''s business as they made their way further into the tower.


    ¡°Susan, let''s be honest. Do you have a thing for him?¡±


    Susan blushed all of a sudden. ¡°I... T-That''s not the case... W-What are you talking about... F-Forget


    about it...¡±


    She immediately denied Emily''s words.


    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    Emily smiled and reassured Susan. ¡°Haha! Susan, stop lying to me as well as yourself. To be honest,


    you guys seem like a pair made in heaven! I mean, you''re a gorgeousdy from a wealthy family


    whereas he''s an exceptional young man.¡±


    Actually, Emily didn''t mean her words as she was jealous deep down. She was merely trying to tter


    Susan.


    Emily had a crush on such an exceptional man as well.


    He was a skilful divine doctor and supervisor of the Evan Schneider, top conglomerate''s leader in


    Oakheart City.


    She was determined to seduce Zeke should she have the opportunity to.


    Emily would rather be his mistress if she couldn''t be his wife; she was merely going after his fortune.


    Meanwhile, Zeke walked into Evan''s office and delivered his instruction to build a grand hall that could


    amodate ten thousand people.


    Evan immediately gave his consent. ¡°Mr. Williams, don''t worry. I will definitely prioritize this project over


    all of our ongoing projects.¡±


    Zeke nodded. ¡°I want it done within two months. I''m sure you''re able to do it, right? I don''t want to dy


    my marriage.¡±


    Evan swore upon his life. ¡°If I can''t finish it within two months, I shall deliver my life to your doorstep.¡±


    Zeke nodded and made his way out of Evan''s office.


    Suddenly, a secretary walked in right when Zeke opened the door.


    ¡°Mr. Schneider, this is a Michelin grade meal I have prepared for you. Please enjoy your meal.¡±


    Evan ordered his secretary. ¡°Put it aside for the time being.¡±


    Zeke was intrigued by the attractive scent of the meal. He felt as though it was a pretty decent meal


    and requested, ¡°I''ll take this. My wife has yet to have her breakfast.¡±


    Evan''s secretary red at Zeke. ¡°Who the hell do you think you...¡±


    Evan was horrified and immediately interpreted his secretary, ¡°Shut up! Mr. Williams, feel free to take it


    with you.¡±


    ¡°Is it necessary to get you another set? I''m afraid this set is getting cold.¡±


    Zeke replied, ¡°Forget about it. Let''s procure Michelin instead. I''ll have them prepare our meals from


    today onwards.¡±


    ¡°Sure. Consider it done,¡± Evan replied.

 Chapter 51

    Chapter 51


    Evan''s secretary was dumbfounded after Zeke left.


    What the hell? Who the hell is that man?


    The owner of the top conglomerate in Oakheart City actually addressed him in such a polite manner


    and treated him with respect!


    He actually procured Michelin just to serve his wife breakfast?


    Oh, God! Just how much does he love his wife? Fine! I should forget about it!


    Zeke reached the parking lot, but a familiar voice stopped him right when he was about to get into his


    car.


    ¡°Hold it right there, Zeke Williams!¡±


    Zeke turned around and realized it was an acquaintance of his, Emily Clemons.


    She was about to return home right after her interview session. Emily didn''t expect to run into Zeke


    either, but she decided to stop him since they met in the parking lot.


    Zeke stopped and asked, ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Yes? Why else would I stop you? I''m here to tell you I am officially a procure specialist for the


    Schneider family.¡±


    ¡°I''m currently in charge of the one billion order your steel mill secured from the Schneider family. You


    better ensure the products you produce are of top-notch, or else I shall deal with you ordingly based


    on the terms developed.¡±


    Zeke sneered and thought to himself.


    Are you showing off in front of me? A mere procure specialist is showing off in front of her supervisor?


    Nonsense! She must be a fool!


    Zeke ignored Emily and simply got into his car.


    Emily was irritated when she was ignored by the man. She decided to get into Zeke''s car and sat right


    beside him because she was annoyed.


    ¡°Get out of my car!¡± shouted Zeke.


    Emily replied him, ¡°Stop shouting at me! I''m here to strike a deal with you!¡±


    ¡°I''m not interested in what you have to offer!¡± Zeke rejected her immediately.


    Emily went on. ¡°Forget about it! Who do you think you are? I have just gotten word from my boss that


    they are gonna spend ten billion to build a grand hall that will be able to amodate ten thousand


    people.¡±


    ¡°I''m sure I will be in charge of the procurement of the materials needed, including steels. The fortune


    involved in this particr project is ten billion.¡±


    ¡°Why don''t you work with me to destroy Lacey''s steel mill? We''ll split the fortune into half for each of


    us.¡±


    ¡°I will consider returning to your side if your performance is up to expectation.¡±


    Zeke was speechless.


    She must have lost her mind, right? Who the hell does she think she is?


    Stop seducing me with the same excuse over and over again!


    Zeke started his car and replied in a callous tone. ¡°I''m warning you to stay out of Lacey''s way. If you get


    in her way again, I don''t mind sending you over to the crematorium.¡±


    ¡°Get out! Now!¡±


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Emily grew irritated and got out of the car angrily. ¡°Zeke Williams! We shall see! I''m sure you will regret


    your decision today!¡±


    ¡°Since you''re not interested to work with me, I''ll get someone else instead!¡±


    Zeke departed and sped his way out of the parking lot. He almost ran into Emily who got in his way.


    Emily''s face flushed all of a sudden. ¡°F*** you! Go to hell, jerk!¡±


    She soon regained herposure and stered a wicked grin on her face.


    Emily didn''t hit on Zeke because she wanted to work with him. She had her own hidden agenda behind


    her action.


    Ten minutester, Emily walked into the tower''s security room. She managed to retrieve the footage of


    the parking lot''s surveince camera.


    She proceeded to send the footage to Lacey and attached a description. Look at your husband. He''s


    having an affair with someone else behind your back.


    If others were toe across such footage, they would definitely think that the man and woman inside


    the car had done some sort of hanky-panky activities.


    Emily could imagine how much despair Lacey would feel when she figured out that Zeke had spent


    some time with his ex-girlfriend in the car alone.


    ¡°Hmph! Zeke, Lacey, how dare you guys go against me? I want both of you dead!¡±


    ¡°This is but the first step of my revenge!¡±


    Emily proceeded to call Lacey''s uncle, Jeremy.


    ¡°Jeremy, let''s strike a deal.¡±

 Chapter 52

    Chapter 52


    Lacey''s uncle, Jeremy, was confused. ¡°I heard you''ve fired by the Hamilton family. Who do you think


    you are to strike a deal with me?¡±


    Emily told him the truth, ¡°The Hamilton family? What a joke! They are but nothing to me!¡±


    ¡°I am now part of the Schneider family as a procurement specialist.¡±


    ¡°I will be in charge of the procurement for a huge project worth ten billion, which will beunched soon.¡±


    ¡°I want you to take over Lacey''s steel mill. As long as you''re able to get your hands on it, I''ll have you


    take over the steel orders worth a billion. We''ll split the profit into half for each of us.¡±


    ¡°What? A billion?¡± Jeremy''s heart skipped a beat when he heard the fortune involved.


    He agreed without any hesitation at all, ¡°Sure! Let''s seal the deal!¡±


    ¡°To be honest, I have been preparing to get my hands on Lacey''s steel mill as well. I''m at the final


    stage of preparation. Everything will be ready soon.¡±


    ¡°If everything turns out ordingly, the steel mill will belong to me by tomorrow.¡±


    Emily replied, ¡°I can''t wait for the great news! I look forward to working with you as well.¡±


    Jeremy gulped down two sses of water after he hung up the call to calm himself down.


    He rushed over to pay his father, Adam Hinton, a visit right after he regained hisposure.


    Jeremy initiated a conversation with his dad. ¡°Dad, I have something to discuss with you.¡±


    ¡°Speak,¡± replied Adam.


    Jeremy told him what he was up to. ¡°Dad, when we decided to take a different path from one another,


    you gave me a plot of ten-hectarend while Daniel was given a plot of five-hectarend.¡±


    ¡°I mean, I''m not in the line of business either. I can''t possibly fully utilize the plot ofnd given to me.


    Instead, I think Lacey might need it since she''s currently expanding her business.¡±


    ¡°Is it fine for me to exchange the plot of ten-hectarend of mine with the five-hectare that Lacey


    owns?¡±


    Adam''s eyes widened. He red at Jeremy, ¡°Hmph! I think the one you want is Lacey''s steel mill,


    right?¡±


    ¡°She built the mills on the plot ofnd given to them. If you manage to get your hands on their plot of


    ¡°Jeremy, I''ll be honest with you. I don''t think you''re able to run a business on your own. Please allow


    Lacey to take care of the steel mill instead.¡±


    Jeremy was embarrassed as his father had managed to see through his n immediately.


    However, he tried to justify himself once again. ¡°Dad, I''m doing this for the Hinton family''s sake!¡±


    ¡°I''m sure you''re aware of Zeke''s presence, right? Lacey is currently head over heels in love with him.


    I''m sure she will hand the steel mill over to him if he were to request for it.¡±


    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Does that mean you want an outsider to reap what we have sowed previously? Seriously? Do you


    want to forsake one of our own?¡±


    Adam had a serious expression on his face all of a sudden.


    Before long, he heaved a euphoric sigh. ¡°Mm. You''re right. Fine, you have my consent. I do not want an


    outsider to be the owner of the plot ofnd as well.¡±


    Adam searched high and low for the legal title of the five-hectare plot ofnd owned by Lacey''s family


    as he told Jeremy his decision. Finally, he found it and handed it over to Jeremy.


    Although he had distributed the plots ofnds he had to his sons, he still held on to the legal title of the


    The legal title was but a piece of paper, but it felt tremendous for Jeremy. It wasn''t just any piece of


    paper for him.


    What he had in his hand would secure him a fortune of ten billion.


    He picked Lily up and rushed over to the steel mill the moment he got his hands on the legal title.


    Lily had found out that Lacey''s family-owned assets worthy of a billion back when she worked as a


    lobby manager.


    Ever since then, she had always wanted to get her hands on Lacey''s steel mill. Lily was the one behind


    the idea to get the steel mill by force through the legal titles.


    ...


    Meanwhile, Zeke enjoyed being around an irritated Lacey in the steel mill because she was one of a


    kind even when she was mad.


    Lacey could no longer keep her cool. ¡°Y-You... This is noughing matter!¡±


    ¡°If you can''t exin yourself, you better stay away from me for the rest of your life!¡±


    Zeke teased rhetorically, ¡°Stay away from you? I''m afraid your parents won''t allow that to happen.¡±


    Lacey was about to cry because of how shameless her husband was. He actually made use of her


    parents against her.


    ¡°Damn it! Stop making use of my parents against me! You jerk! I will be in charge of my marriage! I


    don''t care what they say!¡±


    Zeke asked in return, ¡°Lacey, do you really think I''m the kind of man who would return to his ex? I will


    never go back on my words!¡±


    Lacey shouted angrily, ¡°Men are all the same! They tend to repeat the same mistake over and over


    again!¡±


    ¡°Stop lying to me! What about this video right here? Why don''t you tell me what''s going on?¡±

 Chapter 53

    Chapter 53


    Zeke was heartbroken as he saw the tears streaming down Lacey''s cheeks. ¡°I have evidence to prove


    my innocence.¡±


    He showed her the dashcam. ¡°My car''s dashcam recorded what happened back then. Please check it


    out.¡±


    Lacey couldn''t wait anymore and watched the footage of the dashcam immediately.


    She was touched when she figured Zeke didn''t turn his back against her. In fact, he had declined


    Emily''s offer and took Lacey''s side instead.


    However, Lacey put on an indifferent front as usual. ¡°Hmph! I-I''ll tell dad and mom if you try to bully me


    in such a manner again in the future!¡±


    Zeke murmured to himself. ¡°I''m afraid dad and mom won''t take your side either.¡±


    Lacey heaved a long sigh because she felt dejected.


    They actually prioritize Zeke over me as of now. If I were to tell them what happened, perhaps they will


    take Zeke''s side and me me for not having enough faith in him. What the hell!


    Zeke flicked Lacey''s forehead. ¡°Have you learned your lesson yet? I''ll penalize you without any


    hesitation if you dare doubt me again in the future.¡±


    ¡°Hmph! You damned thug! Move aside! I have got lots of work to do!¡±


    Zeke''s past subordinates would definitely be dumbfounded if they had any what was going on.


    The Great Marshal actually tried to hit on a girl.


    Suddenly, a ck Lexus stopped in front of Lacey''s office.


    Jeremy and Lily walked out of the car.


    Lacey knitted her eyebrows. ¡°What sort of business do they have with me?¡±


    Although she didn''t appreciate Jeremy''s presence, she had to be courteous as he was, after all, her


    uncle. Hence, she stepped out of her office to wee him.


    ¡°Uncle Jeremy, Lily, what brings you guys here today?¡±


    Jeremy surveyed the surroundings of the steel mill. His eyes glinted greedily. ¡°Mm, I''m here to check on


    the environment of the steel mill.¡±


    ¡°Lacey, you did a great job taking care of the mill.¡±


    Lacey was surprised because Jeremy had always looked down on her but was now actually


    Lacey replied cautiously, ¡°Not really.¡±


    Jeremy went on, ¡°Lacey, I''ve talked to your grandfather, and we do not want to waste your talent


    handling this steel mill anymore.¡±


    ¡°I have decided to hand over the ten-hectarend of mine in the eastern area to you. I''m sure you will


    be able to build a new steel mill on arger scale.¡±


    Lacey couldn''t believe her ears when she heard what her stingy uncle told her.


    He''s offering me his ten-hectarend? I''m sure he''s up to no good.


    She decided to proceed with caution. ¡°Uncle Jeremy, are you seriously going to hand over the ten-


    hectarend of yours in the eastern area to me?¡±


    Lily scoffed, ¡°You must be dreaming, right? It''s a plot of ten-hectarend we''re talking about. Do you


    really think we''re giving it to you for free?¡±


    ¡°You should consider yourself lucky! In return for the plot of ten-hectarend, we only want this plot of


    five-hectarend of yours.¡±


    Lacey waved at them immediately. ¡°Nope! That''s impossible! My steel mill is built on this plot ofnd of


    ours. I can''t possibly move it with me, right?¡±


    Jeremy assured Lacey, ¡°Don''t bother about it if that''s the case. Don''t worry! Uncle will take good care of


    this steel mill of yours.¡±


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    It was obvious what Jeremy was up to by then. Perhaps even a fool could figure out his intention.


    The steel mill was Jeremy''s ultimate goal.


    Lacey got worked up all of a sudden. She could barely keep her cool as the steel mill was a brainchild


    of hers.


    In fact, the steel mill was a huge part of her life. She would never hand it over to someone else.


    Lacey made her stand clear and rejected them. ¡°Uncle Jeremy, forget about it. I will never hand this


    steel mill of mine over to you!¡±


    ¡°You have no idea how much it means to me! The steel mill is a huge part of my life! No! It''s even more


    important than my life!¡±


    Jeremy sneered. ¡°Forget about it? I''m afraid that''s not up to you to decide.¡±


    ¡°I have the legal title of this plot ofnd with me. That makes me the legal owner of this plot ofnd!¡±


    Jeremy reached for the legal title he had with him and showed Lacey as he finished his sentence.

 Chapter 54

    Chapter 54


    Lacey could no longer keep her cool when she saw the legal title Jeremy had with him.


    She knew her steel mill would be as good as gone soon.


    Lacey took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down. ¡°U-Uncle... T-That''s too much!¡±


    ¡°I''ll go tell grandpa what''s going on immediately!¡±


    Jeremy sneered once again. ¡°You don''t have to waste your time anymore.¡±


    ¡°I couldn''t have gotten my hands on the legal title if your grandpa was against the idea, right?¡±


    ¡°I mean, he was the one who suggested that I take over your steel mill.¡±


    What?


    Lacey''s pupils constricted all of a sudden. Her lips were trembling as she tried to catch her breath.


    In order to fulfil Uncle Jeremy''s greed, grandpa had actually decided to make a move against me?


    He''s trying to take away something I''ve poured all my blood, sweat, and tears into for half of my life!


    He must be biased! He must have lost his mind to be biased to such an extent!


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Lacey could no longer hold back her tears of wrath. ¡°Y-You guys are so cruel! How could you guys do


    that to me!¡±


    ¡°Not even a stranger would have done such a thing!¡±


    Suddenly, Jeremy lost hisposure. ¡°You damned brat! Is that how you''re supposed to talk to your


    uncle?¡±


    ¡°Do you want me to punish you based on our family rules?¡±


    ¡°Get out of my sight immediately! I want you to be responsible if the operation of the steel mill is


    affected because of you!¡±


    Lacey clenched her teeth and made up her mind.


    ¡°I shall dismantle everything! I will dismantle this steel mill if that is what it takes to prevent you guys


    from achieving your goals!¡±


    Lily smiled contemptuously, ¡°Dismantle it? Who do you think you are to have the rights to dismantle this


    steel mill?¡±


    ¡°This steel mill is built on our plot ofnd. You don''t even have the rights to be here, let alone


    dismantling it.¡±


    ¡°This is the legal title for the ten-hectare plot ofnd. Take this with you and get out of our sight, or you''ll


    be leaving with nothing at all.¡±


    Lacey felt despair all of a sudden.


    p! p! p!


    Zeke, who had remained silent all along, pped his hand all of a sudden.


    ¡°Marvellous! What a splendid job from the Hinton family! You guys have actually managed to redefine


    what betrayal means.¡±


    ¡°Lacey, let''s go. Don''t worry! It belongs to you, and only you. They won''t be able to take it away from


    you!¡±


    Lacey, whose eyes brimmed with tears, replied, ¡°But... They have the legal title with them...¡±


    Zeke assured Lacey, ¡°Don''t worry. It''s just a piece of paper. I''ll get them to get on their knees to beg


    you to take over the steel mill tomorrow.¡±


    Lily chuckled when she heard Zeke''s words, ¡°On our knees? You? Why don''t you go and look at


    yourself in the mirror? Who exactly do you think you are?¡±


    Zeke cast a stern gaze at Lily and drew a circle on the ground using his leg. ¡°You guys will have to


    kneel here for a day if you want us to take over the steel mill again! Lacey, let''s go!¡±


    Zeke brought Lacey away with him.


    Lily spat on the ground after they left. ¡°Who gave you the audacity to make such a statement?¡±


    Jeremy''s cheeks flushed as he could barely hold back his excitement. ¡°Lily, do you know why I insisted


    on taking over this steel mill?¡±


    Lily asked curiously, ¡°Why?¡±


    Jeremy finally told her the reason behind his action, ¡°That''s because I will soon secure a deal worth a


    billion for steels.¡±


    ¡°What? A billion?¡± Lily was utterly shocked.


    Jeremy reached for his phone with his trembling hands and called Emily. ¡°Emily, I''ve gotten my hands


    on the steel mill. What about the order worth a billion?¡±


    ...


    Lacey wept as they made their way home.


    It''s toote! Everything''s gone!


    My efforts, my dreams, my ambition! It''s all gone!


    Zeke was heartbroken because of what Lacey had to go through.


    However, he remained silent instead offorting her because he knew Lacey wouldn''t believe his


    words even if he told her his n.


    He decided to walk the talk and show Lacey what he was capable of.


    Zeke was determined to finish the Hinton family off.


    He parked the car right after they reached home and tapped on Lacey''s shoulder. ¡°Lacey, go ahead


    and wait for me upstairs. I''ll join you after I make a call.¡±


    Lacey nodded obediently and headed upstairs.


    Zeke reached for his phone and made a call, ¡°Evan, Lacey''s steel mill has been taken over by


    someone through illegitimate means.¡±


    ¡°I want you to trick Jeremy Hinton and get them on their knees to beg for Lacey''s forgiveness.¡±

 Chapter 55

    Chapter 55


    Evan replied humbly, ¡°Sure. I''ll work on it immediately. I''ll get him to surrender himself by tonight.¡±


    Zeke walked into the house and saw Hannah crying hysterically as she was scolding Daniel.


    ¡°Daniel! If you''re a man, follow me to dad''s ce and confront him! We have to get the steel mill back!¡±


    ¡°I have never seen someone as biased as him! It seems like that senile fool doesn''t even think of us as


    part of his family! To be honest, I don''t think he treats us as humans!¡±


    ¡°The steel mill is what we rely on! It''s our source of ie! Are you seriously going to hand it over to


    them?¡±


    Daniel remained silent and finished the cigarette he had.


    Although he seemed to be rtively calm, he was heartbroken deep down as well because he had not


    expected his father to treat him and his family in such a cruel way.


    Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    He was in such dire straits because of his father.


    Daniel couldn''t help but doubt that he wasn''t one of Adam Hinton''s sons.


    Although he was abhorred, he had no guts to retaliate against his brothers, let alone his father.


    He knew what would be in store for him even if he were to confront Adam. Daniel wouldn''t be of much


    help, and he might be beaten up by Adam instead.


    Hannah could no longer hold back her anger because of her husband''s behaviour, ¡°Get out! You don''t


    deserve to stay with us!¡±


    ¡°You can''t even defend our daughter! You''re a coward! I don''t need such a coward like you!¡±


    ¡°Don''te home if you can''t get the steel mill back!¡±


    Despite being a coward, Daniel could no longer suppress his anger when he heard Hannah''s harsh


    words.


    ¡°Shut up! I''ll get going immediately!¡±


    ¡°If dad refuses to return Lacey the steel mill, I''llmit suicide in front of him!¡±


    Daniel rushed out of the house right after he finished his sentence.


    However, Zeke got in his way and stopped him. ¡°Dad, that won''t be necessary.¡±


    ¡°Uncle and grandpa will definitely get on their knees in front of us and beg for forgiveness tonight. They


    will surely return the steel mill to us.¡±


    Everyone was shocked and stared at Zeke in disbelief when they heard his words.


    Zeke reassured them with a determined look on his face. ¡°Trust me!¡±


    Daniel turned around and looked at Hannah as he was trying to figure out what she had in her mind.


    Hannah remained silent for quite some time before she heaved a heavy sigh. ¡°Fine! We''ll deal with it


    tomorrow.¡±


    Lacey cast a confused gaze at Zeke as her mind was all over the ce.


    S-Should I believe him?


    ...


    Emily rushed over to the steel mill once she received Jeremy''s call.


    She sneered over and over again after she confirmed the authenticity of the legal title.


    ¡°Zeke, Lacey, I knew it! You guys are no match for me!¡±


    ¡°Hmph! He whoughsstughs best!¡±


    Jeremy tried to tter Emily, ¡°Zeke and Lacey are definitely no match for Ms. Clemons. They are but


    parasites of society! Please pay no heed to them, Ms. Clemons.¡±


    ¡°Ms. Clemons, about the contract... Did you bring it with you?¡±


    Emily showed them the contract she brought with her. ¡°This is a tentative agreement. Please sign after


    you have verified the terms.¡±


    ¡°The project for the grand hall has yet to beunched, but this agreement will take effect once the


    project is officiallyunched.¡±


    Jeremy expressed his gratitude, ¡°Thank you so much, Ms. Clemons. Rest assured that we will honour


    the agreement we have. I will definitely rebate the half-million that belongs to you.¡±


    Suddenly, a ck Mercedes-Benz made its way into the steel mill and parked right beside Jeremy.


    A middle-aged man in aplete set of tuxedos walked out of the car.


    Emily''s eyes gleamed the moment she figured out who he was. She rushed to his side and weed


    him. ¡°Mr. Geoffrey, such a trivial matter isn''t worthy of your attention at all. I will be able to deal with it


    on my own.¡±


    Jeremy was curious. ¡°This is...¡±


    Emily exined patiently, ¡°He''s the manager of the procurement department, Mr. Bent Geoffrey.¡±


    Jeremy rushed over and bowed respectfully as he shook Mr. Geoffrey''s hand. ¡°Wee, Mr. Geoffrey.


    Thank you for gracing our steel mill with your presence...¡±


    Mr. Geoffrey moved his hand away from Jeremy immediately and asked in a callous tone, ¡°Skip the


    formality. Who''s the person in charge of the steel mill?¡±


    Jeremy stepped forward once again, ¡°That would be me. I am the person in charge of the steel mill.¡±


    Mr. Geoffrey nodded. ¡°Great.¡±


    As soon as he finished his sentence, he beckoned to the direction of the entrance with his hand.


    Two police cars showed up in the steel mill with its Sirens screaming.


    Everyone was dumbfounded. ¡°Mr. Geoffrey, what''s going on...¡±


    Mr. Geoffrey sneered, ¡°Previously, the steels provided by yourpany failed to match up to the


    benchmark thepany set. It has caused an enormous loss for thepany in terms of actual


    financial loss and thepany''s image.¡±


    ¡°As the person in charge, you have to bear the responsibility and go through a series of investigation


    behind bars.¡±

 Chapter 56

    Chapter 56


    Chapter 56 I Do Hope You Are Innocent


    What? This ce must have been jinxed!


    Jeremy trembled in fear because of the misfortune had befallen the moment he took over the steel mill.


    He immediately exined himself, ¡°Mr. Geoffrey, I have just taken over the steel mill.¡±


    ¡°I wasn''t the one who supplied the steels for the Schneider family previously. Someone else was


    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.


    behind the particr deal. Please go after that person in charge instead.¡±


    Mr. Geoffrey sneered, ¡°I believe that''s an internal affair of yourpany. It has nothing to do with me at


    all.¡±


    ¡°All I have to do is to deal with the person in charge of the steel mill as of now.¡±


    Click!


    Jeremy was handcuffed by police immediately.


    He broke down and lost his cool as he shouted at Lily hysterically, ¡°Lily, go get Lacey!¡±


    ¡°She''s the person in charge of the steel mill! We shall return it to her!¡±


    Lily was frightened by what was going on. She only managed to return to her senses when she heard


    Jeremy''s words.


    She cried and replied, ¡°Don''t worry, dad! I''ll go get Lacey immediately!¡±


    ¡°That damned Lacey! How dare you set us up!¡±


    She rushed towards Lacey''s ce immediately as she was afraid the police would take her away with


    them as well.


    Emily stiffened all of a sudden, her mind all over the ce.


    She would never have expected such an incident to ur. Things turned out exactly the other way


    around, even though she had racked her brain to develop the malicious scheme.


    If she hadn''t persuaded Jeremy to take over the steel mill, Lacey would be the one taken away instead.


    Great! Lacey manages to get off the hook while Jeremy has to spend his time behind bars for the time


    being. What a day!


    Mr. Geoffrey sneered and snatched the contract worthy of a billion from Emily. ¡°Are you kidding me?


    They can''t even fulfil the previous contract worthy of a billion, but you''ve actually signed a contract


    worthy of ten billion with them.¡±


    ¡°I hope you didn''t strike a deal with them secretly behind my back, did you?¡±


    Emily got anxious all of a sudden and exined herself. ¡°No! I didn''t! I did nothing of sorts!¡±


    ¡°I... I didn''t expect the Hinton family to be such a cunning bunch! If I had any idea of what''s going on, I


    would have never worked with them!¡±


    Mr. Geoffrey scoffed, ¡°I will investigate what''s going on myself. I do hope that you are as innocent as


    you proim to be.¡±


    ¡°Apart from that, this particr steel mill will be cklisted. The Schneider family will never work with


    them anymore.¡±


    Emily replied in a humble manner. ¡°Don''t worry, Mr. Geoffrey. I will never work with the Hinton family


    anymore!¡±


    ...


    It was gettingte, but Lacey''s ce was brightly lit as they couldn''t fall asleep. None of them could


    move on from what had happened with the steel mill.


    Lacey couldn''t bear it when she saw how upset her parents were because of her. ¡°Dad, mom, please


    go to bed and get some rest. We''ll deal with what happened to the steel mill tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°If worsees to worst, let''s forsake the steel mill. I will start up something else and begin another


    venture!¡±


    Daniel put out his cigarette and spoke in a ferocious manner, ¡°Lacey, we are aware of what you''ve


    sacrificed for the steel mill. We will never give up on it!


    ¡°Don''t worry! I will force your grandpa to return the steel mill to us, even if it''s going to cost my life!¡±


    Hannah took a peek at Daniel. ¡°Hmph! Finally, you''re acting like a man!¡±


    ¡°Let''s tuck into bed for the time being. We''ll talk about it tomorrow.¡±


    Zeke, who had remained silent all along, broke the silence all of a sudden. ¡°Dad, mom, let''s wait for


    another minute.¡±


    Everyone stared at him in disbelief. ¡°What are we waiting for?¡±


    Zeke looked at his phone. ¡°It''s about time.¡±


    As soon as he finished his sentence, someone knocked on their door.


    Zeke smiled and told Lacey, ¡°Lacey, go get the door.¡±


    ¡°It''s gettingte. Who is it?¡± murmured Lacey to herself as she made her way to answer the door.


    It was Lily on their doorstep.


    Lacey tried to chase her away petntly, ¡°Lily Hinton, please leave! You''re not weed here!¡±


    Lily tried her best to calm herself down because she didn''t want them to find out that she was upset.


    I can''t let Lacey know that dad has been sent behind bars! If she knows what''s going on, she definitely


    won''t take over the steel mill again.


    She replied in an arrogant manner, ¡°Lacey, we don''t want your steel mill anymore. Please take it over.¡±


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 Chapter 57

    Chapter 57


    Chapter 57 I Will Listen to Zeke


    Everyone was dumbfounded when they heard what Lily had said.


    What the hell is going on?


    Uncle Jeremy had spent so much effort to get his hands on the steel mill! Why did he decide to return it


    to us all of a sudden?


    What exactly are they up to?


    Lacey kept her guard up because she was afraid they might be up to no good. ¡°Why have you guys


    decided to return it to us all of a sudden after what you guys did to get the steel mill?¡±


    Lily replied, ¡°We managed to gain a better understanding of the operation of the steel mill and realized


    that you''re better suited to manage the mill.¡±


    A weight was lifted off Lacey''s shoulders when she heard Lily''s words.


    She immediately agreed. ¡°Alright, I''ll...¡±


    However, Zeke interrupted Lacey before she could finish her sentence. ¡°If you want to return the steel


    mill to us, I''m afraid it won''t be such an easy task.¡±


    ¡°Have you forgotten what I told you guys back when we were at the steel mill? Get on your knees and


    beg us.¡±


    Lily went berserk all of a sudden. ¡°Zeke, you better watch your mouth!¡±


    ¡°You should be grateful that we''re returning the steel mill to you guys! Stop pushing your luck!¡±


    ¡°I will dismantle the steel mill instead of returning it to you guys if you keep pushing your luck!¡±


    Zeke sneered, ¡°If that''s what you wish, by all means, please proceed.¡±


    Thump!


    As soon as Zeke finished his sentence, he closed the door.


    Lacey and her parents were anxious because of Zeke''s action.


    They''re willing to return the steel mill to us, but Zeke doesn''t seem to want it back! I can''t afford to lose


    the steel mill!


    Lacey scolded Zeke, ¡°What the hell do you want?¡±


    Zeke replied with a smile on his face, ¡°Don''t worry. I''m sure she will get on her knees today.¡±


    Thump! Thump! Thump!


    Someone knocked on the door again.


    Lacey answered the door once more.


    Lily stopped putting on an arrogant front. ¡°Lacey, please allow me to apologize for what my dad and I


    have done. We''re the ones at fault.¡±


    ¡°Can you please forget about the part where I have to kneel? After all, we''re a family...¡±


    ¡°A family? Why didn''t this particr concept crossed your mind back when you were there to take over


    the steel mill by force?¡± asked Zeke.


    ¡°I''ll give you onest chance. Get on your knees, or we won''t answer the door anymore.¡±


    Zeke closed the door again as soon as he finished his sentence.


    Lily was anxious and stopped him immediately. She begged, ¡°Lacey, p-please forgive me...¡±


    Lacey couldn''t make up her mind. She took a peek at Zeke and made up her mind. ¡°I''ll listen to Zeke''s


    instructions.¡±


    Lily had a furious look on her face, but then recalled the fact that her father might be suffering behind


    bars as they spoke.


    She clenched her teeth and got on her knees as instructed. ¡°Lacey, please forgive us.¡±


    Zeke told her, ¡°It doesn''t work if you get on your knees here.¡±


    ¡°Get your ass back to the steel mill and kneel on the circle I have drawn back them.¡±


    Lily could barely remain herposure. ¡°Stop pushing your luck and challenging my limits!¡±


    Zeke sneered. ¡°This is yourst chance. If you have decided to forsake it, I can''t do anything about it


    either.¡±


    Thump!


    Zeke closed the door again once more.


    Lacey and her parents were anxious as they hesitated.


    Should we believe Zeke?


    They knew Lily wouldn''t give in to their request because of how arrogant she was.


    However, they couldn''t make up their mind because of how determined Zeke seemed to be.


    The enraged Lily, who was now shut out, kicked a pot of flower downstairs.


    Damn it! Jerks!


    No one has ever bullied me to such an extent!


    Hell! Go to hell! Each and every one of you should suffer in hell!


    Lily was on the verge of breaking down whenever she recalled the fact that her father was still behind


    bars.


    She thought about it and decided to give in to Zeke''s request for the time being.


    ¡°Fine! I''ll put my dignity aside for today.¡±


    ¡°I''ll go get the cops to go after all of you tomorrow once you have taken over the steel mill.¡±


    ¡°Hmph! I''ll get two male inmates to give you a special service by then.¡±


    Lily made up her mind and knocked on the door once again. ¡°Lacey, I''ll do whatever you guys have


    requested immediately.¡±


    ¡°Please keep to your words and take over the steel mill tomorrow.¡±


    Zeke replied nonchntly right when Lacey was about to open the door again. ¡°I''ll send someone to


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    keep an eye on you.¡±


    ¡°Don''t try anything silly. We will not honour our promise if you fail to kneel as requested.¡±

 Chapter 58

    Chapter 58


    Lily left angrily.


    Lacey began to interrogate Zeke once Lily left. ¡°Can you please exin to me what exactly is going


    on?¡±


    She was almost certain because she had a strong instinct that Zeke was the mastermind behind the


    scheme.


    Zeke replied half-heartedly, ¡°You should ask Lily. Perhaps they have finally realized what they did was


    wrong and decided to atone for their sin.¡±


    ¡°Let''s go, honey. It''s time to sleep.¡±


    Zeke yawned over and over again as he made his way into Lacey''s room.


    Lacey got worked up all of a sudden. ¡°Zeke! Who told you anything about spending the night in my


    room? Go spend the night on the couch!¡±


    Hannah red at Daniel immediately. ¡°Daniel, I''m afraid you''ll have to spend another night on the


    couch.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Madam!¡±


    Lacey was speechless.


    Dad! Mom! That''s too much! Stop bullying your daughter!


    Lacey was irritated as she made her way back to her room.


    She saw Zeke, who was on his phone on her bed, the moment she entered her room.


    ¡°The floor!¡± shouted Lacey.


    Zeke heaved a helpless sigh but did as instructed, nevertheless.


    Lacey looked at Zeke with aplicated expression on her face, ¡°Zeke, is Uncle Jeremy up to


    something? Why did he decide to return the steel mill to me all of a sudden?¡±


    Zeke smiled when he heard her words.


    Exactly what I expect from a female entrepreneur who built everything from scratch! He''s indeed up to


    something.


    Zeke reassured her, ¡°Don''t worry. Just take it over as requested. They won''t be able to harm you as


    long as I''m by your side. They are not a threat to me at all.¡±


    Lacey massaged her temples. ¡°Should I believe you?¡±


    Daniel, who was in the living room, returned to his room with his pillow once Lacey returned to her


    room.


    He was surprised the moment he stepped into his room because Hannah was crying all alone.


    Daniel asked curiously, ¡°My dear, why are you crying?¡±


    Hannah expressed how she felt, ¡°Sigh... Ever since I have gotten married to you, we have always been


    bullied by your brother and his family.¡±


    ¡°I can''t hold back my emotions. Never would I have thought that Jeremy and his family would apologize


    to us and admit their mistake.¡±


    Daniel apologized with a look of guilt, ¡°I''m so sorry, my dear. You must have had it rough ever since you


    got married to me.¡±


    Suddenly, Hannah asked, ¡°Daniel, could it be... I mean, it seems like Zeke was the one behind what


    happened, right?¡±


    Daniel nodded, ¡°You''re right. It seems like that''s the case.¡±


    Hannah went on, ¡°I feel like Zeke isn''t an ordinary man. Perhaps he has another identity.¡±


    ¡°But I can''t figure out why he''s constantly trying to court Lacey...¡±


    Daniel pondered, ¡°We can''t be sure what he''s up to. We should proceed with caution.¡±


    Hannah replied, ¡°I don''t think Zeke is up to no good... I don''t care! He will be my son-inw!¡±


    The two mumbling pairs finally fell asleep after the end of the conversation they had.


    The next day morning, Lacey was roused from a deep sleep by Lily''s call.


    Thetter urged her to rush over to the steel mill and take it over as soon as possible.


    Lacey agreed immediately as she had been waiting for it throughout the night. ¡°Alright! I''ll be there...¡±


    Suddenly, Zeke interrupted their conversation. ¡°Get your grandfather to return the legal title to us, or


    else let''s forget about it.¡±


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    Lily hesitated for a while before she brought herself to reply, ¡°Fine!¡±


    Lacey was about to rush over to the steel mill right after she hung up the call.


    Zeke got in his way and told her, ¡°I''ll go with you.¡±


    Lacey nodded and replied, ¡°Sure! Go get ready then, we''ll depart soon.¡±


    Zeke took his time washing himself up.


    Lacey was anxious because he decided to have his breakfast right after he washed himself up.


    She urged him repetitively because she was frantic with worry.


    Zeke took his sweet time as he enjoyed his breakfast. ¡°Lacey, they''re the ones who are trying to beg


    us. Don''t worry.¡±


    ¡°But...¡± Lacey tried to exin herself again.


    ¡°Have you forgotten how your beloved Uncle Jeremy treated you and your family back in the day?¡±

 Chapter 59

    Chapter 59


    Lacey felt abhorred all of a sudden when she recalled what Jeremy and his family had done back in the


    day.


    Finally, she stopped urging Zeke and ignored the call from Lily because she knew what the call was


    about.


    Zeke wiped his mouth after he finished his meal and asked Daniel and Hannah, ¡°Dad, mom, do you


    guys want to tag along?¡±


    ¡°I believe grandpa will show up at the steel mill too.¡±


    ¡°He owes you guys an apology. I believe it''s time for him to apologize for what he''s done.¡±


    Daniel was hesitating while Hannah immediately took upon Zeke''s invitation, ¡°Yes! Of course!¡±


    ¡°That old geezer used to look down on us because of how useless Daniel used to be!¡±


    ¡°I''m sure he''ll stop looking down on us since he''s the one who has a favour to ask from our exceptional


    son-inw!¡±


    ¡°Let''s go!¡±


    The family of four made their way downstairs together.


    They ran into the head of security of their residential area the moment they got downstairs.


    Mr. Zachary greeted Daniel enthusiastically and offered him a cigarette, something he had never done


    before.


    Daniel was proud of himself because his life had never been the same ever since he acknowledged


    Zeke as his son-inw.


    He could finally hold his head high ever since then.


    Soon, they reached the steel mill and saw Lily.


    Lily was pale and haggard.


    She rushed over when she saw Lacey. ¡°Lacey, this is the legal title! Please take it...¡±


    Zeke stopped Lacey and asked, ¡°Where is grandpa? I told you to get grandpa over. I want him to hand


    the legal title over to us instead.¡±


    ¡°Grandpa is on his way! He''ll be here soon!¡± assured Lily.


    ¡°We''ll talk once he gets here. Dad, mom, Lacey, let''s wait for him in the office,¡± said Zeke.


    ¡°Alright.¡± They made their way into the office.


    Lily gritted her teeth because of how irritated she was.


    Fine! I''ll let you guys get full of yourselves for the time being!


    Once you guys take over the steel mill, I''ll get the cops to arrest each and every one of you!


    Soon, Adam Hinton reached the steel mill as well.


    He was engulfed by wrath.


    Actually, he knew his eldest son, Jeremy Hinton, was arrested by the cops.


    He was aware that Lily was trying to return the steel mill to Lacey because she wanted her to take


    Jeremy''s ce behind bars instead.


    Adam didn''t me Lily at all. Instead, he held a grudge against Lacey and her family.


    He med Lacey for producing steels that failed to meet the requirements stated and deemed her the


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    reason behind Jeremy''s arrest.


    Hence, he wanted Lacey to take Jeremy''s ce behind bars as well.


    However, he was forced to be there to deliver the legal title to them on his own.


    Although Adam was one of the masterminds behind the hostile takeover of the steel mill, he showed no


    signs of remorse.


    Lily rushed over to usher Adam in an aggrieved expression and tone. ¡°Grandpa, you''re finally here.¡±


    ¡°Uncle Daniel went overboard! He insulted me and scolded you! He said you''re a senile and biased


    geezer who has always sided with our family.¡±


    Adam had a gloomy expression on his face all of a sudden. ¡°Hmph! He must have lost his mind to utter


    such unfilial words against me!¡±


    ¡°Why did I ever give birth to such an unfilial child!¡±


    ¡°Hurry up! Go get them out! I will settle scores with them today!¡±


    Lily nodded and rushed towards the office to get Daniel and his family.


    ¡°Dad, you''re here,¡± greeted Daniel respectfully.


    Adam replied nonchntly, ¡°Daniel, it seems like you''ve finally learnt how to spread your wings, huh?¡±


    ¡°You unfilial son, how dare you order me to deliver the legal title to you?¡±


    Daniel remained silent when he heard his father''s words.


    Hannah was irritated and talked back against Adam, ¡°Dad, you handed it over to Jeremy previously, but


    you decided to return it to us out of the blue. We have to verify what''s going on, right?¡±


    Adam cast a stern gaze at Hannah. ¡°I''m talking to my son! Who the hell do you think you are to have


    the rights to interrupt our conversation?¡±


    Hannah stuttered due to anger.


    It had been years since she got married to Daniel, yet she had never been acknowledged as part of the


    Hinton family.


    Adam Hinton showed them no mercy.


    Suddenly, Zeke broke the silence. ¡°Grandpa, I believe you know where Uncle Jeremy currently is,


    right? I believe you know what''s about to happen once you hand over the legal title to us, right?¡±


    Adam rolled his eyes. ¡°Shut up! I don''t have time for you!¡±


    ¡°Lacey, I''m here now. Come over and take the legal title.¡±

 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60


    Lacey didn''t take the legal title Adam handed over to her. Instead, she turned around and looked at


    Zeke as she wanted to know what her next best course of action would be.


    Zeke smiled wryly.


    Judging by the look he had on his face, he was certain Adam was aware that Jeremy was behind bars.


    Although he knew what would await Lacey, he insisted on handing the legal title over to her.


    Adam is such a mean guy. He didn''t even bother holding back against her own granddaughter.


    I shall stop showing you guys any mercy since you guys have no intention to hold back either.


    Zeke told Adam, ¡°We will take over the legal title under one condition.¡±


    ¡°I want you to transfer the ownership of the title to Lacey. I don''t want such conflict to ur anymore in


    the future.¡±


    That was precisely what Adam had in mind as he would be able to send Lacey behind bars and set


    Jeremy free once he transferred the ownership to Lacey.


    He nodded. ¡°Sure!¡±


    Zeke reached for his phone and made a call.


    Before long, someone from the Bureau of Land showed up.


    Of course, they were part of Zeke''s n as well.


    They carried out the required procedure online, right at the steel mill. The legal title was soon


    transferred to Lacey.


    Lily had a wicked smile on her face the moment they verified the authenticity of the updated legal title.


    ¡°Great! Lacey, haven''t you and your family gotten full of yourselves? How dare you humiliate me and


    ask me to get on my knees!¡±


    ¡°Hopefully you are able to keep it up behind bars as well!¡±


    Adam replied in a sarcastic manner, ¡°Lily, mind your manners!¡±


    ¡°After all, Lacey is your cousin. You should drop by and visit her asionally once she''s arrested.¡±


    Lacey and her family were confused by their words as they had no idea what was going on.


    Lacey asked, ¡°Lily, what do you mean by behind bars and visit us?¡±


    ¡°Fine! I''ll tell you guys the truth. The Schneider family dropped by previously because the steels you


    produced weren''t up to standards.¡±


    ¡°As the person in charge of the steel mill, my dad was arrested by the cops.¡±


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Thankfully, we''re able to prove otherwise now that you have be the person in charge of the steel


    mill. I''ll get the cops to arrest you and set my dad free soon!¡±


    What?


    Chills were sent down Lacey''s and her family''s spines.


    They had been tricked by Lily and Adam.


    It''s a conspiracy against our family.


    Dad and Lily want Lacey to take Jeremy''s ce behind bars.


    It seems like Adam knew what''s going on all along. How could he set Lacey up and...


    Hannah broke into tears because of how abhorred she was. ¡°Dad... You... That''s too much!¡±


    ¡°Lacey is your granddaughter too! How could you...¡±


    ¡°Do you seriously consider yourself her grandfather?¡±


    ¡°You insolent fools!¡± Adam widened his eyes and pursed his lips. ¡°You guys asked for it!¡±


    ¡°You shouldn''t have produced such low-quality steels! You''re the one who caused Jeremy to be sent


    behind bars!¡±


    Daniel shouted angrily, ¡°If it weren''t because of the scheme you came up with Jeremy to take over the


    steel mill, he wouldn''t have been sent behind bars either!¡±


    ¡°He deserves it! He should have seen iting his way!¡±


    ¡°I... I''ll beat you to a pulp, you unfilial son!¡± Adam raised his walking stick and beat Daniel. ¡°Jeremy is


    your brother! How can you say he deserves it?¡±


    Daniel didn''t evade his father''s attack either. He allowed his father to hit him as he wanted.


    The excruciating sensation he felt physically was nothing aspared to what he felt deep down.


    His eye brimmed with tears, ¡°Jeremy took over the steel mill in a hostile manner, yet you didn''t even


    bother standing up for us.¡±


    ¡°He wanted Lacey to take his ce behind bars, yet you remained silent as well.¡±


    ¡°However, you decided to beat me to a pulp just because I talked back against you and said he


    deserved it?¡±


    ¡°Have you never once thought that you are the biased one?¡±


    ¡°Biased? I''m your dad! I get to decide to whom am I biased towards on my own. Stop telling me how or


    what I should do!¡±


    He hit Daniel once again with his walking stick as soon as he finished his sentence.


    Lacey and her family were utterly disappointed.


    Suddenly, Sirens were screaming at the steel mill''s doorstep.


    Lily was delighted. ¡°Grandpa, it''s the police!¡±


    ¡°I called them just now and told them that Lacey had be the steel mill''s person in charge.¡±


    ¡°I''m sure they''re here to arrest Lacey!¡±

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    Chapter 61


    Lacey and her family panicked.


    Daniel told Zeke immediately, ¡°Zeke, get the person from the Bureau of Land to transfer thend to me


    instead!¡±


    ¡°I''ll take Lacey''s ce behind bars!¡±


    Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Zeke shook his head. ¡°Dad, no one will be sent behind bars today.¡±


    Daniel asked, ¡°Why?¡±


    Zeke assured Daniel, ¡°I have faith in Lacey. She would never have produced such low-quality goods to


    fulfil the contract.¡±


    ¡°Lacey, are you sure the steels you have provided the Schneider family fulfil the terms required?¡±


    Lacey assured Zeke, ¡°I have personally gone through every single batch of orders myself. I''m sure


    every batch matched the quality and benchmark required.¡±


    ¡°I''m sure everything will be fine if that''s the case,¡± said Zeke.


    Hannah couldn''t calm down. ¡°But the Schneider family stated otherwise...¡±


    Zeke said righteously, ¡°It''s the Schneider family''s fault! Let''s get them topensate us for our loss!¡±


    Pffft!


    Lily could no longer hold back herughter. ¡°Get the Schneider family topensate for your loss?


    Have you lost your mind?¡±


    The police car stopped.


    Two police got out of the car followed by Jeremy.


    Jeremy cast a provocative gaze at Daniel and sneered.


    A policeman with a pair of sses asked, ¡°We received a call just now, and the person told us Jeremy


    wasn''t the person in charge of the steel mill. Instead, the person in charge is someone else.¡±


    ¡°May I know who''s the person in charge of the steel mill?¡±


    Lacey and Daniel replied simultaneously, ¡°It''s me.¡±


    The police with a pair of sses knitted his eyebrows. ¡°Who exactly is the person in charge of the steel


    mill?¡±


    Lily got ahead of others before they could reply. ¡°It''s Lacey! The low-quality steels were produced under


    her supervision. She admitted it just now!¡±


    Daniel and Hannah had an awful expression on their faces.


    Jeremy scolded Lacey, ¡°Lacey, how could you do this to me? You''re the reason I had to spend a night


    in the cell! You shouldn''t have resorted to such methods to generate profit!¡±


    ¡°Sir, please take her into custody and make her an example!¡±


    ¡°Such a loser doesn''t have the right to proim herself as part of the Hinton family!¡±


    The police with a pair of sses looked at Lacey. ¡°Are you sure you''re the person in charge of the steel


    mill?¡±


    Lacey clenched her teeth and put on a strong front.


    ¡°Mm! I''m the person in charge of this steel mill! Please take me with you!¡±


    ¡°However, I will never admit I have provided low-quality steels to the Schneider family!¡±


    To everyone''s surprise, the man bowed and saluted Lacey respectfully.


    ¡°Ms. Lacey, actually we are here topensate for your loss.¡±


    ¡°What happened was nothing, but a misunderstanding.¡±


    ¡°The Schneider family called us and said it was their mistake instead. They had proven your innocence


    because no defective product had actually been detected.¡±


    ¡°To express their sincerity, the Schneider family has offeredpensation worth a million.¡±


    ¡°We sincerely apologize for the misunderstanding and the inconvenience we have caused you. Please


    forgive us.¡±


    What the hell?


    Everyone was dumbfounded all of a sudden as things took a drastic turn of events.


    What happened was a misunderstanding?


    Lacey doesn''t have to spend her time behind bars? Instead, she got the Schneider family to


    What the...


    Jeremy and his family almost puked blood.


    Lacey thought she must be hearing things. ¡°Erm... Sir, I... I''m not hearing things, right?¡±


    The police immediately reached for the portable safe box he had in the police car. ¡°Ms. Lacey, you''re


    not hearing things. Here is the million from the Schneider family.¡±


    ¡°If there''s nothing else, we shall take our leave now.¡±


    ¡°Of course, if you are displeased with what happened previously, you can sue us as well.¡±


    Lacey stuttered all of a sudden upon realising how luck was on her side.


    ¡°I-It''s... fine. I-I have no... intention to sue anyone. A-After all... I wasn''t adversely affected either.¡±


    Jeremy felt a strong urge to p someone when he heard her words.


    You weren''t adversely affected, but I spent a night in the cell because of you!


    I deserve the fortune from the Schneider family! I will never hand it over to you!

 Chapter 62

    Chapter 62


    The policemen heaved a sigh of relief and departed right after they got into the car.


    Zeke handed the safe box to Hannah, ¡°Mom, please verify if there''s a million.¡±


    Hannah, who was dumbfounded, finally returned to her senses. She held on to the safe box and


    assured Zeke, ¡°O-Okay! I''ll go and verify it immediately!¡±


    She rushed into the office with the safe box and locked the door because she was afraid others would


    go in after her.


    Zeke gave Lacey a thumbs up. ¡°Honey, you''re the best! You managed to earn a million without doing


    anything over the night! I''m impressed!¡±


    ¡°Shut up.¡± Lacey looked at Zeke in the eyes.


    She knew Zeke must have been the one behind the scenes because of how absurd things were. Lacey


    refused to believe it had nothing to do with Zeke.


    Jeremy shouted angrily, ¡°Shut up, Zeke!¡±


    ¡°Do you think that million belongs to Lacey? It belongs to me! I spent a night behind bars for it!¡±


    ¡°You have to hand it over to me!¡±


    Lily nodded vigorously. ¡°That''s right! That''s apensation from the Schneider family to my dad! You


    guys shouldn''t have gotten your hands on it!¡±


    However, Lacey rebutted their statements, ¡°I''m sure you guys heard what the police told me, right? It''s


    for the person in charge of the steel mill.¡±


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡°I believe I''m the person in charge as of now.¡±


    Daniel raised his objection. ¡°Nonsense! Do you think you''re the person in charge just because you


    have said so? Why don''t you refer to the legal title?¡±


    Lacey showed him the legal title, ¡°Are you talking about this piece of paper?¡±


    Jeremy scoffed, ¡°Hmph! Don''t forget that your grandpa is the owner of the legal title! Dad, why don''t


    you tell him who''s the owner of this plot ofnd!¡±


    Adam flushed all of a sudden and remained silent.


    Lacey cast a thoughtful gaze at Zeke. ¡°Did you insist on the transferal of ownership because of this?


    Did you foresee thising our way?¡±


    ¡°Nah! I must have been lucky!¡± assured Zeke.


    ¡°Ha... Ha... Do you really think I will trust you?¡± asked Lacey rhetorically.


    Jeremy''s face turned pale when he heard their words, ¡°What? Transferal of ownership?¡±


    Lily stuttered, ¡°Dad... J-Just now... t-they insisted us to transfer the legal title to them. H-Hence...¡±


    Jeremy''s heart skipped a beat. He almost passed out when he heard what Lily told him.


    The legal title''s ownership... has been transferred!


    Jeremy knew he was as good as done.


    ¡°Y-You... damned brat!¡± Lily Hinton pointed at Lily in the face viciously. ¡°You shouldn''t have been so


    swift with your actions!¡±


    Lily decided to reach out to Adam. ¡°Grandpa, help me.¡±


    Adam took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down. ¡°Lacey, you should hand over the million to


    your uncle.¡±


    Lacey replied stubbornly, ¡°Why exactly should I do that?¡±


    ¡°Why? Because he''s your uncle!¡± replied Adam.


    ¡°After all, your steel mill has been generating a fortune all along. I''m sure a million means nothing to


    you. Your uncle''s financial condition is not as good as yours. You should hand it over to him without any


    condition!¡±


    Pfft!


    Zeke burst intoughter all of a sudden. ¡°I have nevere across such a shameless bunch of seniors


    like you guys. How could you guys ask for pocket money from your nephew and your granddaughter?¡±


    Jeremy shouted angrily, ¡°Damn it! Shut up! You have no rights to speak in front of us!¡±


    Zeke grunted and replied, ¡°You want the million? We''ll hand over the million to you under one


    condition.¡±


    ¡°Go on,¡± replied Jeremy.


    Zeke went on, ¡°We''ll give it to you once you transfer the ownership of the ten-hectare plot ofnd at the


    eastern area to Lacey.


    Lacey was anxious all of a sudden and stopped Zeke. ¡°No! I don''t agree with that!¡±


    ¡°The ten-hectare plot ofnd in the eastern area is worthless! Per hectare cost twenty to thirty thousand


    at max. Ten-hectare cost only two to three hundred thousand.¡±


    ¡°We will suffer a huge loss if we were to purchase a plot ofnd which merely cost two to three hundred


    thousand with a million.¡±


    However, Jeremy agreed without any hesitation. ¡°Since Zeke promises to give me the million, he can''t


    go back against his words anymore.¡±


    ¡°I''ll hand over the legal title of the ten-hectare plot ofnd once I receive the million.¡±


    The ten-hectare plot ofnd was but a plot of wastnd for Jeremy.


    He wouldn''t even flinch even if he were to give it away for free, let alone a million.


    ¡°Deal!¡± replied Zeke.

 Chapter 63

    Chapter 63


    Lacey shouted angrily, ¡°Zeke, what''s wrong with you? Why are we engaging in an unprofitable deal?¡±


    Zeke lowered his voice and whispered into Lacey''s ears, ¡°Don''t worry. Do you believe me if I tell you


    that this ten-hectare plot ofnd will be able to generate a tenfold and a hundredfold fortune for us?¡±


    ¡°What do you think? It''s about time for you to trust me, right?¡±


    Lacey cast a thoughtful gaze at Zeke before she nodded. ¡°Alright, it''s a deal from me.¡±


    Zeke had never let Lacey down.


    She decided to trust him again.


    Soon, they carried out the required procedures and transferred the ownership of the ten-hectare plot of


    Hannah reluctantly handed over the safe box to Jeremy.


    Her eyes brimmed with tears as they departed with the safe box containing a million. ¡°Zeke, are you


    sure you''ll be able to generate a fortune worth a million with this plot ofnd?¡±


    Zeke shook his head. ¡°Nope.¡±


    Lacey and her family were disappointed.


    Zeke went on, ¡°But I can create a tenfold or even a hundredfold fortune.¡±


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    Lacey and her family raised their heads at his words.


    Based on the current real estate market, it would be a miracle if that plot ofnd could double in value.


    Tenfold? Hundredfold? Seriously?


    Daniel had to leave as he had to rush to the hospital for his shift.


    Before heading home, Hannah told Zeke, ¡°Remember toe home for lunch.¡±


    Lacey didn''t dive into her work as she cast a sceptical gaze at Zeke. ¡°Please exin what happened


    with the Schneider family to me.¡±


    ¡°They are such a prominent family! It''s impossible for them to make such a silly mistake. They couldn''t


    have mistaken the low-quality steels as the ones we supplied them.¡±


    ¡°I mean, the timing seems too much to be a coincidence.¡±


    Zeke decided to tell her the truth, ¡°Actually, the Schneider family belongs to me.¡±


    ¡°Evan Schneider is but a puppet of mine.¡±


    ¡°I was the one behind everything.¡±


    Lacey had a headache when she heard his words. ¡°You... What should I do with you?¡±


    ¡°Fine. Forget about it. I have no intention to poke my nose into your business either.¡±


    ¡°I have a lot to deal with. Why don''t you drop by the workshop and keep an eye on the quality of the


    steels produced?¡±


    Zeke felt helpless and speechless at the same time.


    I have told you the truth, but you refuse to believe my words. You leave me with no choice but to lie to


    you.


    Actually, Lacey wasn''t the one to be med either.


    Perhaps only a mentally retarded person would believe that the top conglomerate''s leader, Evan


    Schneider, was someone else''s puppet.


    ...


    On the same day, certain news took Oakheart City by storm and affected the whole corporate world of


    Rivermouth.


    The Schneider family hadunched a ten billion worth project called Love in a Fallen City to build a


    grand hall that would amodate ten thousand people.


    Many were attracted by the fortune involved as the project was worth ten billion.


    Suddenly, countless corporate yers were eager to be part of the project, wanting a share of the


    fortune involved.


    The Schneider family''s project worthy of ten billion stole the limelight and grabbed everyone''s attention.


    Rivermouth''s corporate world, which had been stagnant for years, finally heated up.


    As the Schneider family''s procurement specialist, Emily was one of the few to know the details of the


    project.


    When she saw the address of the project, her eyes gleamed.


    She recalled that the Hinton family had a plot ofnd near the project site.


    Emily knew the Schneider family would offer a higher rate aspared to the market rate if they had


    the intention to procure that plot ofnd.


    She was tempted and wanted to procure the plot ofnd from the Hinton family beforehand so she


    could sell it to the Schneider family.


    The Hinton family don''t pay attention to corporate news. I''m sure they have no idea the potential price


    of that particr plot ofnd.


    Emily was tempted and stopped hesitating. She made up her mind and got in touch with Adam.


    Meanwhile, Adam and Jeremy were celebrating as they had managed to get their hands on the million


    in exchange for the ten-hectare plot ofnd.


    Adam was confused when he figured out the aim of Emily''s visit.


    ¡°What the hell is going on today?¡±

 Chapter 64

    Chapter 64


    ¡°Emily, you''re the fifth person who hase after us, offering to buy that particr plot ofnd.¡±


    ¡°That particr plot ofnd is nothing but a plot of wastnd. What''s going on? Why is everyone


    Emily replied, ¡°Oh! It''s nothing!¡±


    ¡°I''m sure you know that my mom has been expelled by Daniel from the hospital. She has nothing to do


    recently and wishes to buy that plot ofnd to start her own farm.¡±


    Adam had his doubts and told her, ¡°Sigh! You''rete! We''ve already sold off thend to someone else!¡±


    Emily was disappointed, ¡°Oh. Who did you sell it to? For how much was the plot ofnd sold?¡±


    Adam told her, ¡°We sold it off to Lacey for a million.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Emily got worked up all of a sudden. ¡°You sold it off to Lacey for a million? Fool! A bunch of


    fools!¡±


    Adam was irritated when he heard Emily''s words. ¡°Emily, who exactly are you referring to?¡±


    ¡°A ten-hectare plot ofnd in exchange for a million! It''s a good deal!¡±


    ¡°Deal? You have no idea how you have been set up by them!¡± Emily scolded Adam.


    ¡°I''ll tell you what''s going on. The Schneider family has another huge project which involves that


    particr plot ofnd of yours. It''s a project worthy of ten billion!¡±


    ¡°That plot ofnd would have cost at least five million as of now.¡±


    ¡°Haha! Aren''t you a fool to get rid of it for a million?¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Arghh!


    Adam could barely catch his breath when he heard what Emily said.


    Five million! At least five million! We just lost five million!


    Jeremy''s face turned pale as well.


    He thought they were the ones who got a deal, but they were the one who had made a loss instead.


    In fact, it was a huge loss for them.


    He clenched his teeth, ¡°Damn it! Lacey and her family are a bunch of cunning b****! How dare they set


    us, seniors, up!¡±


    ¡°Dad! Let''s go get the legal title back!¡±


    Adam red at Jeremy because of how na?ve he was. ¡°Nonsense! The legal title''s ownership has been


    transferred to Lacey! She''s currently the rightful owner of that plot ofnd!¡±


    Jeremy clenched his teeth. ¡°Damn it! She''s such a mean girl!¡±


    ¡°Dad! They don''t deserve to be part of the Hinton family! Let''s expel them from the family!¡±


    Adam clenched his teeth. ¡°Hmph! We will not let them off the hook easily!¡±


    Meanwhile, Emily felt as awful as Jeremy and Adam.


    She couldn''t get her hands on the plot ofnd. Instead, Lacey and Zeke had got ahead of her.


    Emily was irritated.


    She initially wanted to generate a fortune through that particr plot ofnd. Eventually, she would


    form apany with her mother.


    However, she knew it was hopeless. She would never achieve her n anymore.


    All Emily could do was to establish a clinic as instructed by her mother.


    She called Madeleine Clemons, her mother.


    ¡°Mom, remember your n about the clinic? I''ll support you with everything I have.¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± Madeleine replied, with a bright smile on her face.


    ¡°Do you need my help? Have you sorted out everything regarding the required procedure to establish a


    clinic?¡± asked Emily.


    ¡°I''m at thest stage as of now. All it takes is another few visits to the Industrial and Commercial


    Bureau before everything is in ce,¡± replied Madeleine.


    ¡°Business will be tough in the initial phase, but don''t worry! I''m sure I''ll be able to build my customer


    base through my participation in the Global Medical Association Forum. Our business will be great after


    that!¡±


    Emily asked, ¡°About the forum... Are you sure you will be able to take part in it?¡±


    ¡°I have already talked to Susan beforehand. She promised me to connect you to the prominent doctor


    she told me about during the forum.¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry. I have already gotten my hands on the invitation card through an ex-leader of mine.


    Everything will be fine.¡±


    ¡°Emily, remember to get in touch with Susan throughout this period. After all, she''s the only one we can


    count on to reach the prominent doctor. We need her connection to save your vegetative father.¡±


    ¡°Mm. I''ll meet her for dinner tonight. I''ll try my best to get the doctor''s contact from her.¡±

 Chapter 65

    Chapter 65


    Emily searched for Susan''s contact number after she hung up her mother''s call.


    She was extremely anxious deep down because Susan had yet to give her the doctor''s contact


    number.


    Emily had no idea if Susan didn''t have it, or if she didn''t want to give it to her.


    Emily had faith in herself. As long as she could get her hands on the doctor''s contact number, she


    would be able to conquer him with her charm.


    She nned to get him to be one of the attending physicians at her mother''s clinic. Their business


    would definitely be a big hit with his aid.


    Hence, Emily was determined to buy Susan a meal and attempt to get the doctor''s contact number


    again.


    ...


    Meanwhile, in the workshop of the steel mill.


    Zeke followed Lacey''s instructions and kept an eye on the production of steels. Suddenly, he received


    a call from the woman.


    ¡°Zeke, my best friend wants to drop by the steel mill, but she has no idea how.¡±


    ¡°I''m not feeling well. Can you please go and get her on my behalf?¡±


    ¡°Sure. May I know how your best friend looks like?¡± asked Zeke.


    Lacey was enraged by his words.


    ¡°Zeke, you heartless man!¡±


    ¡°You don''t care that I''m not feeling well, and you want to know how my best friend looks like instead?¡±


    ¡°Hmph! Get out of my sight in the future!¡±


    Zeke was speechless because he felt as though it was a deliberate set up to take him by surprise.


    It''s tough to maintain a rtionship...


    Zeke was exhausted. He decided to head over to Lacey''s office and apologize for what he did.


    ¡°Lacey, it''s my fault. I should have been concerned about you first...¡± said Zeke.


    Lacey replied half-heartedly, ¡°My best friend drives a Lavida with the license te number ending with


    five-two-eight.¡±


    ¡°Go get her immediately and get rid of the bag of trash over there as you make your way out.¡±


    Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡°I''ll deal with you at ater time.¡±


    She pointed at the bag of steel scraps outside of her office.


    Zeke''s lips curled upward as he took a peek at the bag of trash.


    He had already figured out what Lacey was up to by then.


    ¡°Sure,¡± answered Zeke without any hesitation. He reached for the bag of trash and lifted it as he


    marched out of her office.


    Lacey''s eyes widened all of a sudden because it was a bag of steel scrap.


    That bag of trash was at least three hundred pounds.


    Lacey thought Zeke wouldn''t be able to move it on his own. She decided to set him up because of what


    he did to irritate her back in the day. She was hoping to be able tough at him.


    However, he lifted it effortlessly in front of her.


    ¡°He''s so strong!¡± Suddenly, Lacey blushed as she recalled something.


    Zeke lifted the bag of trash and reached the steel mill''s RORO bin.


    Before he could get rid of the trash, a Ferrari 488 stopped beside him.


    Evan Schneider, the owner of the top conglomerate in Oakheart City, got out of the car. He was


    dumbfounded when he saw Zeke.


    The rich and powerful Great Marshal...


    He''s actually taking out the trash on his own?


    I''m not seeing things, right?


    Zeke rolled his eyes and looked at Evan''s gobsmacked face. ¡°I believe that''s enough.¡±


    Evan finally returned to his senses and bowed immediately. ¡°Mr. Williams, I''m here to offer Ms. Lacey


    some money.¡±


    ¡°We''ll buy the ten-hectare plot ofnd newly gained by Ms. Lacey for ten million. What do you think?¡±


    Evan knew the Schneider family would eventually belong to Lacey.


    No matter how much his offer would be, it was actually pointless because it was merely changing


    hands between the same owner.


    However, he knew Zeke had no intention to unveil his actual wealth at the moment. Hence, he decided


    to offer ten million out of courtesy.


    Ten million was considered a lot; it actually made sense.


    Zeke nodded. ¡°Just about right. Where''s the money?¡±


    Evan replied, ¡°It''s in the trunk of the car.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right! Mr. Williams, it seems like the car Ms. Lacey has is rtively old. This car is for her as well.¡±


    Zeke shook her head. ¡°No need for that.¡±


    ¡°I want to get Lacey her house and car on my own because I want her to remember me.¡±


    ¡°Leave the money behind and bring the car away.¡±


    Evan nodded. ¡°Erm... Okay.¡±


    He opened the trunk of the car after he finished his sentence.


    A whole bunch of cash could be found in the trunk of the car.

 Chapter 66

    Chapter 66


    Evan said, ¡°I will get my men to send a briefcase over to put the money in. Please wait a moment, Mr.


    Williams.¡±


    Zeke threw the sack to Evan. ¡°Forget it. Just put it in the sack. I''m in a hurry to meet someone.¡±


    Evan smiled and began to do as instructed silently.


    I think Mr. Williams is the only person who would use a sack to keep his money.


    Evan then left after all the money had been put into the sack.


    Zeke tied the sack closed and threw it over his shoulder.


    However, the sack on his back identally brushed against a girl who was passing by.


    ¡°Hey, you clumsy oaf, watch it!¡± the girl cried out in a reproachful tone, ¡°You''ve dirtied my clothes.¡±


    Zeke turned around and nced at her.


    She was very young and had a pair of lustrous eyes. She looked like a university student.


    The pair of tight-fitting jeans and leather jacket she wore made her slim figure stand out.


    She was slightly less good-looking than Lacey was, but would still stand out among the crowd,


    nheless.


    Zeke ignored her and walked away carrying the sack.


    The girl got even more irritated. ¡°You''re such a rude man. Can''t you just say sorry? Hmph, it serves


    people like you right to be a trashman all your life. Just spend the rest of your life with your sack of


    trash.¡±


    After scolding him, she asked someone for directions and drove off in her Lavida.


    Zeke, who was carrying a sack of ''cash'', searched around on the side of the road, but couldn''t find the


    Lavida Lacey had told him about.


    He was about to give up when a Lavida suddenly brushed past him from behind.


    Its car te number ended with 528, which was the same number that Lacey had mentioned.


    Zeke frowned, thinking, What a poor driving skill Lacey''s best friend has. She almost hit me while


    driving on such a broad road.


    He hurriedly waved at the driver, but the driver didn''t mean to stop.


    In the car, the young girl, who had just gotten into an altercation with Zeke, looked behind at the angry


    face of Zeke and smiled triumphantly.


    ¡°Hmph, stupid trashman. This is a lesson for being rude to me!¡±


    She drove the car straight into the steel mill.


    She was Lacey''s best friend, Dawn Castaneda.


    Dawn got out of the car and smiled wickedly upon seeing Lacey, who was wrapped up in her work.


    She tiptoed over and smacked Lacey on the bottom.


    ¡°Lacey, it''s only been a while since west met, and yet your butt has grown a lot bigger.¡±


    Lacey jumped up, startled.


    After realizing it was Dawn, Lacey got angry and squeezed her friend''s face hard.


    ¡°Dawnie is perversion all you''ve learned in university?¡±


    Dawn grimaced with pain. ¡°Lacey, it hurts, it hurts, let go...¡±


    Only then did Lacey let go of her. ¡°Why did youe here alone? Didn''t you meet the person I asked


    you to pick up?¡±


    Dawn shook her head. ¡°No, I came here alone. However, I did meet a trashman just now. He was so


    f**king rude; it drove me mad. I swear I will f**king kill that trashman if I ever see him again.¡±


    Lacey was amused. ¡°Get lost. How can a nice girl like you keep saying ''f*ck''? Aren''t you worried you''ll


    never be able to get a husband with a mouth like yours?¡±


    Dawn smirked. ¡°If I can''t get a husband, I will marry you. Haha.¡±


    Meanwhile, the door was pushed open.


    Zeke walked in and put the sack on the ground. ¡°I''m back, honey.¡±


    Dawn was stunned for a moment. This voice sounds kind of familiar.


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    She turned around cautiously and met his eyes.


    ¡°It''s you!¡±


    ¡°It''s you!¡±


    The two of them eximed at the same time.

 Chapter 67

    Chapter 67


    Lacey was stunned. ¡°What''s the matter? You two know each other?¡±


    Dawn replied, ¡°He''s the f**king trashman I''ve just told you about.¡±


    Ha!


    Lacey smirked. ¡°Dawn, didn''t someone say she''ll kill that trashman if she ever sees him again?¡±


    Dawn instantly blushed. ¡°Shut up! I didn''t say that!¡±


    Then, she looked Zeke up and down. ¡°If you have time, Lacey, you should go to the hospital for a


    health screening.¡±


    Lacey asked, ¡°Why? I''m not sick.¡±


    ¡°To get your eyes and brain checked properly,¡± Dawn replied. ¡°Why would you get a trashman as your


    husband if there''s nothing wrong with your eyes and brain?¡±


    Laceyughed and said, ¡°You mean girl, you haven''t changed a bit, have you?¡±


    ¡°Zeke, don''t take it to heart. This girl has always been crazy.¡±


    Zeke simply nodded his head.


    He wouldn''t bother to argue with this little girl.


    Dawn looked at Zeke petntly. ¡°Well, you, a trashman, are not worthy of Lacey at all.¡±


    ¡°I''m f**king warning you, you''d better get a decent job and work hard to make money. If you can''t pay a


    decent dowry, I will never f**king let Lacey marry you.¡±


    Zeke was speechless.


    What''s wrong with this woman? Why does she keep cursing?


    Not to be outdone, he retorted, ¡°Lacey, why have you never mentioned that you had a younger brother


    before?¡±


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Lacey burst outughing.


    Dawn shook her fists in anger. ¡°Asshole, who are you calling a man?¡±


    ¡°Why do you keep cursing if you''re not a man?¡± Zeke struck back. ¡°By the way, you must be a fitness


    coach, right? You have well-defined pecs.¡±


    Dawn was mad. ¡°Argh, I''m gonna kill you.¡±


    Lacey clutched her stomach as sheughed.


    I only knew Dawn took pleasure in making caustic remarks, but I didn''t expect Zeke to be so good at it


    as well!


    It''s so funny when these two are going at each other. I''m looking forward to more sideshows from them.


    Seeing Dawn about to cry, Lacey changed the subject. ¡°Dawnie, I heard you''ve found a job. How about


    you treat me to a meal?¡±


    Dawn nodded her head. ¡°No problem. Let''s have some steak. I heard that steaks are on sale today.¡±


    She added, ¡°Hey, trashman, I will take you with us. Don''t forget to bring your money.¡±


    Dawn and Lacey got into the Lavida, whereas Zeke followed suit carrying the sack.


    Dawn shrieked, ¡°Hey, hey, why are you bringing a sack?¡±


    ¡°Didn''t you ask me to bring my money?¡± Zeke replied.


    Dawn was taken aback for a moment before she burst intoughter. ¡°Don''t tell me this sack is filled with


    money. Then, she continued, ¡°Damn, with that kind of bluff, you could''ve be the king of poker.¡±


    Lacey was a little angry with Zeke.


    Although she was very close to Dawn, who would notugh at her, she still hoped that her husband


    could appear more charismatic in front of others.


    Zeke''s shabbiness made her feel a little embarrassed.


    Before long, the three arrived at a western restaurant.


    After looking at the menu, Lacey ordered three sets of regr steak that cost 58 each.


    Dawn had just started working and did not have much money, so she could only afford this level of


    consumption.


    This was the first time Dawn had ever treated Lacey to a meal. Hence, Lacey didn''t offer to pay for the


    bill to maintain Dawn''s dignity.


    While waiting for the steak, Lacey''s phone rang suddenly.


    It was a call from the steel mill worker, saying that the machinery had broken down and that the


    production was halted.


    Lacey became frantic.


    The steel mill was currently racing against time to produce the order for the Schneider family, and any


    sort of dy could not be allowed.


    Feeling helpless, she had no choice but to say, ¡°I have to go back to the factory first. You two eat first.¡±


    Dawn did not want to be left alone with Zeke, as she was worried he would embarrass her, so she


    hurriedly replied, ¡°Lacey, I will go with you.¡±


    Lacey said, ¡°We have already ordered the steaks. If you don''t eat it, it will be wasted. You should stay


    here.¡±

 Chapter 68

    Chapter 68


    Dawn had no choice but to stay.


    Before long, the steak was ready and served to the table.


    Dawn said in a sulky manner, ¡°Let''s dig in.¡±


    Picking up the knife and fork, she began to eat slowly.


    Meanwhile, Zeke was in quite a dilemma.


    Although he had tasted the best food in the world, he disliked Western food. Hence, he had not eaten


    much Western food and did not know how to eat with the assortment of knives and forks.


    Therefore, he could only imitate Dawn and used the knife and fork in a rusty manner.


    Dawn felt more contempt for him, as he was clearly a country bumpkin who had never eaten Western


    food.


    She just wanted to finish eating as soon as possible and leave, as there were several tables of guests


    around them who were giving them strange looks.


    While the two were eating, four people suddenly walked into the restaurant and stood beside Dawn.


    ¡°Oh, hey, Dawn, you''re eating here too. What a coincidence.¡±


    Dawn looked up.


    After seeing the group of people, her face instantly flushed with embarrassment.


    These four people were all her colleagues.


    Leading the group, the man with slicked-back hair was her superior, Dane Edward. He was a team


    leader at thepany.


    It was extremely embarrassing to be seen eating with a country bumpkin by her colleagues.


    She stammered, ¡°Mr. Edward, w-w-what a coincidence.¡±


    Dane nodded his head and looked at Dawn with a lewd expression. ¡°Yeah, it''s a small world. By the


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    way, I''m treating fellow colleagues to a meal, why don''t you join us?¡±


    Dawn nced at Zeke, looking stumped.


    She felt bad to leave Zeke behind and eat with Dane.


    Atst, she shook her head. ¡°Sorry, Mr. Edward, I''m eating with my friend now.¡±


    A trace of displeasure shed across Dane''s eyes. How dare this girl reject me in front of the other


    colleagues.


    It made him lose face.


    He nced at Zeke with contempt. ¡°I didn''t expect you to actually have a friend who works as a


    peasant worker, Dawn. By the way, ourpany is going to be refurbished. Can you ask your friend if


    he''s interested?¡±


    Pfft!


    The other three female colleagues couldn''t help butugh.


    Dawn''s face turned even redder. ¡°Umm, Mr. Edward, he isn''t a peasant worker.¡±


    Dane cried out in amazement, ¡°Oh, really? Judging from his outfit, he must be a trashman then.¡±


    ¡°How can this western restaurant let a trashmane in and let him eat in the same space with us? It


    will drag down our status!¡±


    Dawn grew angry.


    Although she despised Zeke, he was, after all, the husband of her best friend.


    No one but I can insult him!


    She said coldly, ¡°One''s status is not determined by appearance, but by manners. Mr. Edward, I hope


    you can pay attention to your demeanour and show respect for others. Thank you.¡±


    Dane snorted coldly. ¡°Oh, are you saying that I have no manners? Let me show you what a person with


    no manners is truly like then. I''d like to solemnly inform you that you have been fired from thepany.


    You won''t be unless youe and drink with me.¡±


    Dawn was anguished.


    God knows what I have done to get this job. Yet now, I''ve been fired just like this.


    Therefore, she was in distress.


    But after ncing at Zeke, she became resolute again. ¡°Fine, I quit.¡±


    Zeke was surprised.


    Unexpectedly, she is quite a principled woman.


    She had bet on the right horse this time.


    Zeke decided to step in.


    Dane gritted his teeth. ¡°Fine, you''ve got some nerve, Dawn. Just eat your 58-buck trashy steak with


    this trashman, while we go and have Kobe beef.¡±


    ¡°Hold it right there!¡± Zeke suddenly spoke.


    ¡°What now? You''re not happy?¡± Dane Edward asked indifferently.


    Zeke put the knife and fork down and took the napkin to wipe his palms before he gently put on his


    white gloves.


    Wearing white gloves was his usual practice before he struck.

 Chapter 69

    Chapter 69


    ¡°She is my sister-inw, so no one but I can bully her! Tell your boss to get his ass here in ten minutes


    and kneel to apologize to Dawn. Otherwise, the execution of every member of your families await.¡±


    Haha!


    Dane and the othersughed their heads off.


    ¡°Well, I''m afraid this guy is a fool. Execution? Seriously? How can he have the audacity to say such a


    thing? Are all the trashmen so arrogant now? He''s something,¡± Dane said with a sneer. ¡°Let''s go and


    eat first. However, here''s how it works. Come and drink with me in ten minutes. Otherwise, I''ll make


    sure that both of you wouldn''t survive in Oakheart City.¡±


    Dane left with his group.


    Dawn stepped on Zeke''s foot angrily. ¡°W-What are you doing? Why did you deliberately make a fool of


    Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    yourself? Do you think you can brag everywhere you go? How embarrassing.¡±


    Zeke smiled faintly. ¡°I''ll forgive you for stepping on my foot as you''ve defended me earlier.¡±


    ¡°Hah,¡± Dawn replied, ¡°So what if you don''t forgive me? Let''s go now. This is so embarrassing.¡±


    Looking at his watch, Zeke shook his head. ¡°Give me ten minutes. They will get down on their knees


    and apologize.¡±


    Dawn was perturbed. ¡°I really don''t understand how Lacey fell in love with you. There must be


    something wrong with her brain.¡±


    Meanwhile, Dane sat down inside a private room.


    He first ordered four sets of steak, and then asked the waitress, ¡°What is the most expensive wine you


    have here?¡±


    The waitress respectfully replied, ¡°It''s the Merlot imported from Chile, which costs 50,000 per bottle.¡±


    Dane said, ¡°Well, the guests at table number three wanted a bottle of this wine. You can send it to


    them. Also, send us a bottle of Cabe Sauvignon.¡±


    The cost of a bottle of Cabe Sauvignon was 5,000.


    The unsuspecting waitress nodded her head.


    After the waitress left, the three subordinates of Dane gave him thumbs up.


    ¡°You''re awesome, Dane.¡±


    ¡°Seeing that they only ate steak costing 58, they definitely can''t pay 50,000 for the red wine.¡±


    ¡°Then, we shall wait for her to beg us for help. Haha!¡±


    Dane had a smug look on his face. ¡°Well, this is the consequence of going against me. Let''s dig in first.


    I swear they''lle and beg us within ten minutes.¡±


    Dawn frowned when she saw the waitress bring wine over.


    ¡°We didn''t order wine.¡±


    ncing at the wine meaningfully, Zeke said thoughtfully, ¡°Since it''s been sent here, let''s drink it.¡±


    It was because, of course, he had seen through Dane''s tricks!


    ¡°Okay.¡± The waitress gently put down the wine and turned to leave.


    Dawn was a little embarrassed.


    I''m guessing this bottle of wine will probably cost at least one thousand.


    After the meal, she would definitely need to get by the second half of this month with little money.


    This damn dense man is so unabashed. He''s killing me.


    Forget it. Since it''s already on the table, it wouldn''t be nice of me to return it.


    I''ll just pay one thousand. Worsees to worst, I''ll just live frugally in the second half of the month.


    She poured herself a ss of wine and sipped it slowly.


    The guests at the nearby tables all looked at them with amused expressions.


    They recognized the Merlot that cost 50,000 a bottle.


    Can they afford a bottle of wine that costs 50,000 while they''re only eating steak that costs 58?


    Everyone was waiting to see them make a fool of themselves.


    Soon, ten minutes had passed.


    Zeke beckoned to the waitress. ¡°Bill, please.¡±


    The waitress hurried over. ¡°Hi, Sir and Madam, the total is 50,203 dors.¡±


    ¡°What!¡± Dawn spewed the wine out of her mouth in surprise.

 Chapter 70

    Chapter 70


    ¡°Are you serious? How is this possible?¡±


    The waitress said sheepishly, ¡°Yes. This bottle of red wine you ordered costs 50,000 dors.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Dawn couldn''t help but shudder.


    This bottle of red wine costs 50,000, which means one sip is equivalent to 1,000 dors!


    She was already mourning for her wallet.


    All the money she couldy her hands on was not even more than five thousand dors.


    The most valuable thing she had was the car, but it was not hers either, as it belonged to her father.


    I''m doomed.


    She rolled her eyes at Zeke.


    It''s all his fault. Why did he insist on having the bottle of red wine?


    The guests at the nearby tables looked at them with a half-smile.


    As expected, they can''t pay for it.


    Feeling many eyes watching her, Dawn lowered her head in embarrassment.


    ¡°Um... we''ll pay the billter. I need to make a call now.¡±


    However, the waitress did not leave their table.


    She could also see that the two of them didn''t have the money to pay. She was worried they would


    leave without paying if she left their table.


    At this time, Dane walked up to them with his subordinates.


    ¡°What happened, Dawn?¡±


    His voice was loud, drawing more attention to them.


    Dawn rolled her eyes at Dane and ignored him.


    Dane grew even smugger. ¡°Oh, a Merlot that costs more than 50,000 dors per bottle. You really know


    how to enjoy it. I can''t even afford to drink this kind of wine.¡±


    Suddenly realizing something, Dawn shot him a fierce look. ¡°Asshole, did you set this up?¡±


    ¡°Does it matter?¡± Dane replied, ¡°You''re the ones who drank it anyway, so you have to pay for it.¡±


    Dawn felt angry yet helpless.


    In the end, she gritted her teeth and said to the waitress, ¡°Can I give you my car first, and go back to


    find a way to raise money?¡±


    The waitress shook her head. ¡°Sorry, we don''t have such a policy here.¡±


    Daneughed in an even more arrogant manner. ¡°This is an upscale restaurant, and yet you actually


    wanted to use a car to pay for the meal. I can''t believe you could think of this. How about you have a


    drink with me, and I pay for you, eh?¡±


    Dawn gritted her teeth. ¡°Dream on.¡±


    ¡°Hah.¡± Dane said, ¡°You''re really as stubborn as a mule. You''re going to jail if you''re trying to eat for


    free.¡±


    Zeke, who had been silent all the while, suddenly said, ¡°Dawn, give me the car key.¡±


    Dawn shot him an annoyed look.


    She thought Zeke was going to use the car to pay for the meal.


    ¡°Didn''t you hear her just now? We aren''t allowed to use a car to pay for a meal here.¡±


    ¡°Just give it to me,¡± Zeke said.


    ¡°Fine.¡± Annoyed, Dawn threw the car key to him.


    Zeke casually threw the car key to the waitress. ¡°Go and bring me the sack from our car.¡±


    Sack?


    Everyone present was puzzled.


    What is he going to do with a sack at this time?


    Does he want to take away the leftover? But a sack is too big, isn''t it?


    Dawn jerked her head up, her eyes zing.


    Earlier, Zeke said that the sack was filled with money.


    Could it be...


    How is this possible? I have never seen anyone using sacks to hold their money.


    Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Besides, it''s impossible he will have so much money in there.


    Also, if it really is a sack of money, it would weigh at least a few hundred pounds.


    But Zeke picked up the sack with one hand earlier. Is he that strong?


    Not long after, the waitress called two security guards over, and the three carried the sack in.


    Dawn frowned.


    Can a sack be so heavy?

 Chapter 71

    Chapter 71


    Dane startedughing when he saw the tattered and dirty sack.


    ¡°Clearly, this sack is used to collect trash. You are really a trashman, aren''t you? What now? Are you


    going to use your trash to pay the bill?¡±


    The crowd burst intoughter.


    Zeke nced at the waitress. ¡°Open the sack.¡±


    The waitress was put in a difficult position.


    If this is really a sack of trash, the trash will be all over the restaurant. Then, the restaurant won''t be


    able to operate as it will stink all the customers out.


    Seeing that the waitress did nothing, Zeke had no choice but to pick up the knife himself and cut the


    sack open.


    Swoosh!


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Arge amount of money spilt out of the sack, covering six square meters of ground.


    Everyone gaped at the money. The atmosphere became tense.


    A sack of money!


    There must be well over 10 million dors there!


    Damn, this duo is f**king cool.


    They actually take ten million dors with them while they''re out, and even used a sack to put the


    money!


    It seems that they were just pretending and acting low-key earlier.


    Unintentional ostentation was the deadliest.


    They began to see Zeke and Dawn in a new light.


    Zeke nced at the waitress. ¡°Collect the total amount of our bill yourself.¡±


    ¡°Uh, okay, okay.¡± Swallowing hard, the waitress picked up the money with trembling hands.


    Dawn''s heart was racing; she found it hard to breathe.


    Damn, Zeke is so awesome.


    He has actually regained the face I had lost!


    What a pretentious man. Staying so low-key even though he''s so rich.


    She puffed out her chest and said smugly, ¡°Fatty Dane, what are you doing here instead of paying the


    bill after your meal? Can''t afford to pay? Come f**king drink with me and I''ll f**king pay the bill for you.¡±


    Everyone was stupefied.


    How can such a beautiful girl talk so rudely?


    Only then did Dane and his subordinates recover from the shock.


    They realized that they had encountered a tough nut this time.


    It was impossible that he was somemon man, as nomon man would walk around with ten


    million dors.


    But then again, isn''t Dawn just an ordinary employee of thepany? Where did she get so much


    money?


    After taking a deep breath to calm himself down, Dane wanted to flee the scene after paying his bill.


    Zeke called out to him indifferently, ¡°Hold it right there. Did I say you could leave?¡±


    Dane red at Zeke. ¡°What now? Do you really think you can do anything you want just because


    you''re rich? Can you stop me if I insist on leaving?¡±


    Zeke replied, ¡°I won''t stop you from leaving myself. You don''t deserve that.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Dane asked.


    As soon as he finished asking, his phone suddenly rang.


    It was a call from Dane''s boss.


    He answered the call immediately. ¡°Hello, Sir.¡±


    ¡°What? Thepany has been seized? How is this possible?¡±


    ¡°I-I didn''t offend anyone.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I''m at Rive Gauche Restaurant. I''ll be waiting here.¡±


    Then, he hung up, while everyone at the scene could no longer keep their cool.


    Dane''spany has just been seized!


    They thought of what Zeke said earlier. If Dane''s boss did not kneel and apologize in ten minutes, he


    would make theirpany go bankrupt.


    Was this really done by Zeke?


    Making apany go bankrupt in ten minutes was not something one could simply do with money


    alone, as it required having a strong position as well.


    Zeke had once again made them see things in a different light.


    They felt a little ashamed and frightened upon thinking about how they had mocked Zeke earlier.


    If he held them ountable, they would be unable to handle the consequences.


    Therefore, many people sneaked out and found a hidden corner to observe the situation.


    Ashen-faced, Dane broke out in a cold sweat.


    His voice trembled fiercely as he asked, ¡°D-Did you do this? Who are you?¡±

 Chapter 72

    Chapter 72


    Zeke said, ¡°You don''t get to stand and talk to me. Kneel!¡±


    Dane gritted his teeth. ¡°Well, I''ll admit that you''re not a simple person. But you''re still too young to make


    me kneel. I don''t mind losing this job if thepany goes bankrupt.¡±


    ¡°What a strong character you have. I hope it remains with you to the end,¡± Zeke said.


    Dawn looked at Zeke with a dreamy expression.


    This man seems better the more I look at him.


    After a while, a potbellied man staggered in.


    As soon as he came in, he shouted angrily, ¡°Dane,e bloody over here, you moron.¡±


    Upon seeing the man, the crowd gasped.


    This potbellied man was famous in Oakheart City. A brand, The Polk, he created had a market value of


    tens of billions and was listed in the United States. He was ranked among the top ten richest people in


    Rivermouth District.


    They previously thought Dane''s boss would be an ordinary entrepreneur, but to their surprise, he was a


    big shot.


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    The fact that arge, listedpany was made bankrupt in ten minutes showed them Zeke''s power


    was way beyond their imagination.


    Dane walked up to the potbellied man. ¡°Sir, I¡ª¡±


    Smack!


    The potbellied man gave Dane a p in the face. ¡°You son of a b**ch, look at what you''ve done. Tell


    me, which big shot have you offended?¡±


    Dane red fiercely at Zeke. ¡°Him.¡±


    The potbellied man-sized Zeke up, looking surprised.


    Initially, he thought it would be some wealthy man''s son, who would be very arrogant, domineering, and


    barbaric. Much to his surprise, the person turned out to be low-key and unassuming with his modest


    attire.


    Being an experienced businessman, the potbellied man knew for a fact that a truly powerful person


    was always very low-key.


    He immediately fell to his knees.


    ¡°Sir, I''m so sorry my subordinate has offended you. It''s my fault. I assure you that I will give you a


    satisfactory exnation today.¡±


    Zeke looked at the potbellied man, amused. ¡°Your subordinate has quite a strong character.¡±


    Taking the hint, the potbellied man scolded Dane angrily, ¡°Dane, get down on your knees now and


    apologize to this gentleman.¡±


    Dane gritted his teeth, his veins bulging from his face. ¡°On my knees? Hah, do I really need to kneel


    and apologize because of a sorry job? I''m not that spineless.¡±


    He didn''t own thepany, so its bankruptcy didn''t concern him. He would merely lose a job, but at


    least he still had his dignity.


    The potbellied man scolded, ¡°Screw you! Do you think you''ve simply lost your job? Let me warn you,


    someone has filed charges against you for bribery as well as tax evasion with conclusive evidence. You


    should get ready to rot in prison.¡±


    Huh?


    Dane felt a chill creeping down his spine.


    He knew perfectly well what nasty thing he had done.


    If he were to be punished byw, he would have to stay behind the bars for at least ten years!


    It would mean that his life was ruined.


    F**k. Who is the man Dawn is with? How powerful must he be for him to actually find evidence of my


    crimes?


    He copsed and went weak at the knees as he immediately knelt on the ground.


    ¡°I was wrong. Dawn, I shouldn''t have offended you just now. Please forgive me this once. I can¡¯t go to


    jail because I still have a family to feed.¡±


    Zeke looked at Dawn with a faint smile. ¡°Dawn, he asked you to drink with him just now, why don¡¯t you


    go and drink with him?¡±


    Then, he handed the bottle of wine to Dawn.


    Dawn took the bottle with a sly smile. ¡°Thank you, Zeke.¡±


    She walked up to Dane and poured the whole bottle of wine on his head. ¡°You wanna drink together,


    right? Drink more, you big fat pig. You actually have the audacity to say that you have a family. Aren''t


    you sorry for them after you''ve f**king ruined so many girls? Zeke will not spare you if you dare harass


    them again.¡±

 Chapter 73

    Chapter 73


    ¡°Let''s go, Zeke.¡±


    She was no longer angry as her vanity was greatly satisfied.


    Zeke said, ¡°I''m still mad.¡±


    He took the wine bottle and smashed it on Dane''s head.


    The bottle shattered and blood spattered around them.


    Holding his head, Dane fell to the ground and curled up into a ball with a shriek of anguish.


    Zeke then took off his white gloves and threw them on the ground. ¡°You can''t live after having messed


    with me.¡±


    He then left with Dawn.


    Dawn suddenly stopped at the door. ¡°Oh ya, money, Zeke, our money.¡±


    Then, she was about to go back in to pick up the money when Zeke stopped her.


    ¡°Ask the restaurant owner to send it back to us.¡± Zeke said, ¡°By the way, the steak here is so bad. Let''s


    note here again.¡±


    Dawn winked yfully at him. ¡°Alrighty, Zeke.¡±


    Dane got up with difficulty after the two left.


    ¡°Damn, Dawn. I will be back for you!¡±


    He stumbled his way toward the door.


    However, before he walked out, four military trucks suddenly stopped outside the door.


    Heavily armed soldiers dressed in camouge jumped out of the trucks and surrounded the restaurant


    in a well-trained manner.


    Lone Wolf led a team into the western restaurant.


    ¡°Freeze. On the ground. Hands behind your head.¡±


    The crowd was scared out of their wits.


    Damn, why was the army alerted?


    The power of that young man had actually reached the military.


    Although they knew Zeke was very powerful, they had still underestimated his power.


    Everyone hurriedly got down on the ground with their hands behind their heads.


    There were even a few timid onlookers who peed their pants on the spot out of fear.


    Lone Wolf asked indifferently, ¡°Which one of you is Dane Edward?¡±


    Trying to redeem himself, the potbellied man pointed at Dane. ¡°It''s him.¡±


    Lone Wolf aimed his gun at Dane''s thigh and fired a shot without hesitation.


    ¡°We suspect you to be a U.S. spy, so pleasee with us.¡±


    Huh?


    The gunshot, apanied by Dane''s screams, echoed in everyone''s mind for a long time.


    A U.S. spy.


    Dane passed out in fright.


    Before passing out, the words Zeke said before he left echoed in his mind.


    ''You can''t live after having messed with me''.


    Lone Wolf left as quickly as he came.


    Five minutes after they left, there was still a pin-drop silence in the western restaurant.


    It was not until the potbellied man scrambled out of the restaurant that the customers came back to


    their senses and scurried out the restaurant.


    The three female colleagues Dane brought had also parted ways and went back to their hometowns to


    lie low for the night.


    No one dared to take the ten million dors on the ground.


    This was because this money was more terrifying than ghost money, and whoever took it would die.


    When all the customers were gone, the owner of the western restaurant walked out from the corner,


    drenched in a cold sweat.


    With trembling legs, he walked slowly to where the money was and sorted out the banknotes carefully.


    The waiters and security guards immediately stepped forward to help him.


    A waiter asked in a low voice, ¡°Sir, s-should we still open for business today?¡±Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°F**k it,¡± The boss cursed. ¡°Didn''t you hear him say our steak is bad? Our restaurant will be closed


    down starting today. Also, waive his bill. We can''t touch this ten million.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sir,¡± the waiter hurriedly answered.


    After Lacey was done with her work at the steel mill, she was ready to return to the western restaurant.


    However, Dawn had called her and said that they had finished their meal and were about to go home.


    Hence, Lacey headed home.

 Chapter 74

    Chapter 74


    Daniel and his wife were watching TV at home.


    Noticing that Lacey hade back alone, Hannah asked immediately, ¡°Where''s Zeke, Lacey? Why


    didn''t hee back with you?¡±


    Lacey immediately became sulky. ¡°Mom, I just got off work after a busy day, and yet you ask about


    Zeke first without bothering whether I''ve already eaten. I''m your biological child, not him.¡±


    So, Hannah asked, ¡°Have you eaten yet?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Lacey replied.


    ¡°What about Zeke?¡±


    Lacey was rendered speechless.


    My parents arepletely hopeless.


    She changed into her slippers and said, ¡°Dawnie is back, and Zeke went to eat Western food with her.¡±


    Daniel breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°What a relief. I thought you two had a quarrel.¡±


    Hannah asked, ¡°Why''s Dawnie back? Is she on holiday?¡±


    ¡°Mom, she has long graduated with a PhD. Anyway, she will be here soon. You should clean up the


    ce.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Li Yuhuan agreed and hurriedly tidied up the house.


    Lacey and Dawn had grown up together, so they were very close. Hannah had even be Dawn''s


    godmother.


    So, Hannah had always treated Dawn as her daughter.


    As she cleaned up the house, she asked, ¡°Lacey, do Dawnie and Zeke get along well? That girl likes to


    mock others. I hope she doesn''t make Zeke angry.¡±


    Lacey smiled slyly. ¡°Haha, mom, let me tell you, Dawnie is getting better at mocking others. It''s


    impossible for them to get along well. She even called Zeke a trashman today. Hahaha! Isn''t your son-


    inw very awesome? He didn''t even dare make a sound in front of Dawnie.¡±


    She was very proud, as she was happy Dawnie was on her team.


    She couldn''t stand Zekepeting for her parents'' attention with her.


    Li Yuhuan was a little worried. ¡°That''s no good. I have to talk to Dawnie when she gets back. After all,


    Zeke is her brother-inw, how can she mock him like this?¡±


    Before long, Zeke and Dawn arrived back.


    With a lot of stuff in her hands, Dawn yelled as soon as she came in, ¡°Dad, Mom, your mischievous


    and pretty daughter has nowe to see you.¡±


    Daniel smiled, delighted. ¡°Yes, Dawnie, you''ve grown taller, haven''t you?¡±


    Hannah hurriedly went up to her and took the gifts. ¡°Hey girl, how many times have I told you not to buy


    things for us? Look at you, you''re so skinny. You should use the money to buy food for yourself.¡±


    Dawn replied, ¡°What is moneypared to the happiness of both of you?¡±


    Lacey scolded Zeke, ¡°Why are you so inattentive? How could you let Dawnie carry so many things


    alone?¡±


    Zeke was aggrieved. ¡°I wanted to help her, but she wouldn''t let me.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, right. Tsk,¡± Lacey replied.


    Dawn dislikes you and will even be d to take it out of you. It''s impossible that she wouldn''t let you


    carry things!


    After handing the gifts to Hannah, Dawn copsed on the sofa. ¡°I''m exhausted.¡±


    As soon as she sat down, she suddenly remembered something, as she hurriedly stood up, and pulled


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    Zeke to the sofa. ¡°Zeke, have a seat and rest. You must be tired.¡±


    What?


    The Hintons gaped.


    What''s wrong with this girl? Since when has she be so polite?


    Lacey ced her hand over Dawnie''s forehead. ¡°No fever.¡±

 Chapter 75

    Chapter 75


    Smiling faintly, Zeke sat down on the sofa.


    Dawn then hurriedly poured Zeke a cup of tea. ¡°Have some, Zeke.¡±


    Zeke took it and slowly sipped on the tea.


    Lacey rubbed her eyes repeatedly, thinking she was seeing things.


    Daniel and his wife finally felt relieved when they saw that the two were getting along well.


    Hannah even rolled her eyes angrily at Lacey.


    Thetter had previously said that the rtionship between the two was very bad and that Dawn had


    called Zeke ''trashman''. This was inconsistent with reality.


    Lacey must be fooling me.


    Lacey felt sad.


    The two of them had clearly been going at each other and had despised each other an hour ago.


    Yet now, Dawn had be the servant girl of Zeke.


    Lacey asked, ¡°Dawnie, what''s going on?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Dawn didn''t understand.


    Lacey said, ¡°Your attitude towards Zeke wasn''t like this earlier. Tell me, did he do something to you? Or


    does he have some dirt on you?¡±


    ¡°No. What dirt could I have?¡± Dawn added, ¡°On the contrary, Lacey, it''s not cool of you to not tell me


    earlier that Zeke is so capable.¡±


    Lacey was puzzled. ¡°What''s he capable of?¡±


    ¡°Well, apart from anything else, I''ll talk about the sack.¡± Dawn pointed out, ¡°The content of the sack


    wasn''t trash, but ten million dors.¡±


    Ten million! In a sack!


    The Hintons choked on their breath.


    Lacey hurriedly asked, ¡°Zeke, what''s going on?¡±


    ¡°Oh, you should have heard about it. The Schneider familyunched a ten-billion project, Love in a


    Fallen City.¡± Zeke exined, ¡°The site of the project happened to be on the plot of ten-hectarend in


    the eastern area. So, they purchased it with ten million.¡±


    The Hintons were dumbfounded. But they soon became excited.


    Hannah even shed tears. ¡°Ten million... ten million. We wouldn''t be able to save so much money even if


    we worked forever and spent nothing on food and water. Zeke, you''ve earned another ten million for


    our family. You''re so capable.¡±


    Daniel was also having mixed feelings. ¡°When Zeke said that that piece ofnd could appreciate a


    hundredfold, we didn''t believe him. Now it seems that we were the fools. Zeke, we will listen to you in


    regards to future business-rted matters.¡±


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    Unconvinced, Lacey said, ¡°Mom, Dad, we got this ten million from ournd sale. It has nothing to do


    with him.¡±


    Hannah said, ¡°Lacey, don''t forget that you didn''t want the ten hectares ofnd today. If it weren''t for


    Zeke, this ten million would''ve been taken by your grandpa, and not us. Hah, your grandpa and uncle


    even thought they''ve gained a lot by getting one million for the ten-hectare plot ofnd. It''s so liberating


    to think of them crying in a corner now.¡±


    Dawn finally understood. ¡°It turns out that you got this ten million from yournd sale. Oh ya, by the


    way, do you know The Polk? Zeke shut down thatpany with just a word.¡±


    Lacey gasped. ¡°The Polk? It''s arge, listedpany. Zeke, did you really shut it down with just a


    word? Are you really that capable?¡±


    But soon, she suddenly pped her own head when she finally figured it out. ¡°I get it now. Zeke, you


    must have looked for the director of the Industrial and Commercial Bureau.¡±


    Zeke didn''t say a word, looking like he had acquiesced in her words.


    The director of the Industrial and Commercial Bureau did y a role in today''s incident.


    But it was just a supporting role.


    Lacey said reproachfully, ¡°It''s better not to trouble him so much, Zeke. He only owes us so much


    favour. If you keep making him repay you, what if he refuses to help us when we really need his help in


    the future? What would we do then?¡±


    Dawn was shocked. ¡°Wow, Zeke, you even know the director of the Industrial and Commercial


    Bureau.¡±


    Lacey replied, ¡°Hey, it was just a coincidence. The director of the Industrial and Commercial Bureau


    had a kidney stone previously, and Zeke cured him by chance. So that''s why he has always been


    grateful to Zeke.¡±

 Chapter 76

    Chapter 76


    Dawn nodded her head, feeling a little disappointed.


    Zeke''s money actually belongs to Lacey and her family, whereas his power was borrowed by chance.


    So he isn''t as awesome as I thought... He''s only slightly more powerful than ordinary people due to


    Lacey''s family.


    It was gettingte, so Daniel and his wife went to bed after chatting with Dawn for a while.


    Meanwhile, Lacey led Dawn to her room to sleep.


    Dawn whispered, ¡°Perhaps I should sleep on the sofa.¡±


    ¡°You''re my guest. How can I let you sleep on the sofa?¡± Lacey refused. ¡°Let Zeke sleep on the sofa


    tonight. Loggerhead, you need to think about what you''ve done today.¡±


    Zeke put on an innocent face. ¡°What did I do? What''s there to think about?¡±


    Lacey nced at her parents'' bedroom. ¡°They''re my parents, not yours, okay?¡±


    It dawned on Zeke that Lacey was ming him forpeting for her parents'' attention and was feeling


    jealous.


    But I can''t help it if they insist on being so good to me.


    Dawn left early the next morning.


    Since the Polk, where she used to work, had been shut down, she had to find another job.


    Although Lacey proposed for Dawn to work at her steel mill, thetter had declined.


    She was a PhD graduate after all. She nned to work for two years to gain some experience before


    she set up a technologypany.


    Otherwise, it would be a waste of her academic qualifications.


    Lacey and her family were having breakfast when amotion outside their house caught their


    attention.


    Hannah looked out the window and saw a group of neighbours huddled in a circle, discussing


    something. She wondered what they were doing.


    After eating a few more mouthfuls, she put down the cutlery and said, ¡°I''ll go downstairs to find out


    what''s going on.¡±


    Then, she went downstairs, with Daniel following suit.


    Lacey was amused. ¡°I think they''ll never change their love for going along for the ride.¡±


    Zeke smiled. ¡°This is life. They''re just enjoying it.¡±


    Feigning anger, Lacey said, ¡°Let''s put that aside. Did you reflect on your actionsst night?¡±


    Zeke was emotionally drained. ¡°From now on, my wife is the most important. I''m all yours.¡±


    Lacey smiled triumphantly. ¡°That''s more like it. Hurry up and eat. We have to go to work after this¡±


    Hannah, who went downstairs to watch themotion, quickly figured out what had happened.


    It turned out that the son of their neighbour, Madison Burke, had bought a new BMW that cost more


    than five hundred thousand.


    The neighbours were buttering Madison up.


    ¡°Madison, this BMW is so luxurious. It must be veryfortable to sit inside. You can enjoy your life


    from now on.¡±


    ¡°Being the most expensive car in our neighbourhood now, it has brought the level of our neighbourhood


    up a notch.¡±


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡°Mark is so rich at a young age. I''m sure his bright future awaits.¡±


    ¡°Does Mark have a girlfriend? It just so happens that my niece is still single...¡±


    Madison enjoyed being showered in ttery; her face swelled full of pride.


    Meanwhile, Mark was setting firecrackers off nearby to celebrate his purchase of a new car.


    Simply put, it was to remind the neighbours that he had bought a new car.


    Pouting, Hannah murmured, ¡°What''s so great about buying a new car?¡±


    Speaking of which, Hannah and the Hales used to have conflicts over the parking space, and to this


    day, they still didn¡¯t speak to each other even when they met on the street.


    Therefore, Hannah couldn''t bear to see her enemies showing off their wealth.


    Unexpectedly, her whisper was heard by Madison, who then asked in a cynical tone, ¡°What did you


    say, Hannah?¡±

 Chapter 77

    Chapter 77


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Hannah replied casually.


    ¡°What do you think about our new car?¡± Madison asked.


    Hannah gave a half-hearted reply, ¡°It''s not bad.¡±


    ¡°This is a new car, so of course it''s good.¡± Madison showed off. ¡°By the way, Hannah, you''ve been


    driving the same car for almost ten years, and it has long been eliminated from the market. It''s time for


    you to get a new car.¡±


    Hannah answered sulkily, ¡°You don''t have to worry about that.¡±


    Madison¡¯s son, Mark, mocked, ¡°Daniel, you should move your car. I need this parking space.¡±


    Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    ¡°Why should I move my car?¡± Daniel asked indifferently.


    Mark replied, ¡°My new car is worth more than five hundred thousand. I don''t want it getting scratched. It


    doesn¡¯t matter if your car gets scratched as it''s already old. You can just park it anywhere. Besides, this


    is a public area, so you have no right to have it for yourself.¡±


    At this, Daniel simmered with rage. ¡°With its mileage under 100,000 kilometres, my car is still new. It''s


    still a car even though it''s not as new as yours. No one wants their car to get scratched.¡±


    At this moment, Zeke was suddenly heard saying, ¡°Dad, what they said is true. Our car is indeed very


    old.¡±


    Everyone tried to stifle theirugh at this.


    Something must be wrong with the head of Daniel''s son-inw.


    He actually takes an outsider''s side instead of Daniel''s.


    Haha. What a weirdo.


    Daniel and Hannah were very embarrassed.


    Lacey secretly pinched Zeke in anger. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°I''m just telling the truth.¡± Zeke added, ¡°Dad, I will send someone to take this car to thendfill for


    disposalter. You don''t need to worry about it.¡±


    Haha!


    The crowd couldn''t hold back anymore andughed out loud.


    How could this man even think of taking this car to thendfill?


    Hannah was pissed yet embarrassed, not knowing what to say.


    Daniel wanted to bury his head in the sand to hide his shame.


    What the hell is Zeke doing?


    At this moment, a man with slicked-back hair made his way through the crowd.


    He came with two men, each of them carrying a briefcase.


    ¡°I''ve finally found you, Mr. Williams.¡± The man walked up to Zeke, panting.


    The man was none other than the owner of the western restaurant.


    He came to return Zeke the ten million he left at the restaurant.


    Zeke nodded his head indifferently in acknowledgement.


    Feeling curious, Lacey asked, ¡°Who are they, Zeke?¡±


    The man hurriedly answered in a respectful manner, ¡°Oh, let me introduce myself. I am the owner of


    Rive Gauche Restaurant, going by thest name, Wace. Mr. Williams had a meal at my restaurant


    yesterday and left the money there. I''vee to return him the money.¡±


    Lacey said apologetically, ¡°Sorry for the trouble, Mr. Wace. You could''ve just made a call, and we


    could''ve picked it up by ourselves.¡±


    The man thought to himself, Forget it. My restaurant went belly-up after he went once. Can we even


    survive if he goes again?


    Despite thinking so, he dared not show it.


    He said with great trepidation, ¡°It''s nothing. It''s our duty to send it over.¡±


    He then put the three briefcases on the front of the BMW and opened them one by one.


    ¡°Mr. Williams, you have left a total of ten million dors at my restaurant. They''re all in these briefcases.


    Please check. I will go back and look for the remaining money if the amount in here is wrong!¡±


    Everyone gaped at the money in shock. The atmosphere instantly became tense.


    Zeke nced at the briefcases and said, ¡°Mom, Dad, you can take this money to buy a new carter.


    Just throw the old car to thendfill.¡± He added, ¡°By the way, you must spend all these ten million


    dors, as there is no ce to store them at home. Dad, Mom, what''s wrong with you?¡±


    Hannah only came back to her senses after Zeke called them several times.


    Running up quickly, she snapped the briefcases closed, and shouted at Daniel, ¡°Daniel, what are you


    doing standing there in a daze? Hurry up and open the car door.¡±

 Chapter 78

    Chapter 78


    Daniel hurriedly took out the car key and opened the door.


    Hannah then put all the money inside the car and locked the car. Only then did she finally feel relieved.


    After that, she said in a seemingly reproachful tone, ¡°Zeke, you should stop being so forgetful. How


    could you so heedless and lose such a big amount of money?¡±


    ¡°I''ll be careful next time, Mom.¡± Zeke smiled.


    Meanwhile, all the neighbours were stupefied.


    Ten million was a great fortune. Their life savings could never even reach one-tenth of it.


    But Zeke had ''identally'' left the money in the restaurant.


    They were even going to buy a car with the ten million.


    The unintentional disy of ''wealth'' blew their mind.


    The Hales'' newly bought 500,000 BMW was nowparatively shabby.


    Madison and Mark were so embarrassed; they wished to be invisible.


    Before the crowd came back to their senses, a potbellied man elbowed his way through the crowd to


    go up to Zeke. ¡°So, you live here, Mr. Williams.¡±


    This potbellied man was the owner of The Polk.


    He couldn''t ept that Zeke had made hispany go bankrupt with just a word. Hence, he came to


    give Zeke some money, in hopes that thetter would spare hispany.


    Zeke nced at the potbellied man. ¡°What''s the matter?¡±


    The potbellied man exined his intention with a ttering smile, ¡°Mr. Williams, you''ve identally left


    10 million in mypany yesterday. I''m here to return it to you.¡±


    The crowd was rendered speechless.


    Another ten million?


    Damn,parison is a killjoy.


    Instead of a son-inw, the Hintons seem to have gotten themselves a walking ATM.


    Hannah ordered, ¡°Daniel, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and open the car door.¡±


    With trembling hands, Daniel did as he was told.


    Hannah continued to give orders to him. ¡°No more room in the car. Open the trunk.¡±


    This ostentation is simply too much.


    Daniel proceeded to open the trunk tremblingly.


    He thought to himself with a bitter smile inwardly, Can you tell me in advance the next time you want to


    do something like this, you silly Zeke? You know I have a heart condition.


    The Hales'' newly bought BMW started up with a roar and sped away.


    They couldn''t stay here any longer and even thought about moving.


    After dealing with the affairs in the neighbourhood, Zeke and Lacey took a taxi to the steel mill as the


    old car had been fully loaded with money with no room for the two of them.


    While in the taxi, Lacey suddenly said, ¡°Zeke, call my parents. Tell them to deposit the 20 million in the


    bank and use about 500,000 to 600,000 to buy a Mercedes-Benz.¡±


    ¡°Why don''t you call them yourself?¡± Zeke was puzzled.


    Lacey replied, ¡°Do you think my parents will listen to me?¡±


    ¡°That''s true.¡± Zeke pondered for a while. ¡°However, I suggest we buy a Rolls-Royce Phantom for 10


    million. The quality of a Mercedes-Benz isn''t so good. I read the news some time ago about oil leaks in


    their new cars.¡±


    Lacey insisted. ¡°That kind of luxury car is not something we can afford. Get a Mercedes this time.¡±


    Zeke had no choice but to cave in. ¡°Okay, whatever you say.¡±


    At this time, a tender advertisement for the Schneiders'' huge ten-billion project was ying on the


    radio in the taxi.


    Zeke asked, ¡°Lacey, are you interested in bidding for this big project of the Schneider family?¡±


    Lacey let out a sigh. ¡°Will the Schneider family work with a small steel mill like ours for a project this


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    big?¡±


    Zeke encouraged her, ¡°Just try it. You won''t know if you don''t try.¡±


    Lacey said thoughtfully, ¡°I have time on my hands during this period of time anyway. I''ll just work on the


    bid proposal. Who knows? There might be a miracle!¡±


    Pfft!


    The taxi driver couldn''t help but chuckle.


    This pair is so boastful!

 Chapter 79

    Chapter 79


    Hamilton Construction in Oakheart City.


    Jackson came to thepany uncharacteristically early.


    He was also eyeing the Love in a Fallen City projectunched by the Schneider family, so he wanted to


    supervise and urge his employees toplete the bid proposal for the project as soon as possible.


    If they won the tender, the Hamilton family would be able to make further progress and continue to go


    further.


    His secretary went up to him to give him a cup of coffee, and whispered, ¡°Mr. Hamilton, I have found


    out what you asked me to. Lacey is indeed interested in bidding for the Love in a Fallen City project


    and is currently working on the bid proposal.¡±


    Jackson frowned.


    Of course, he didn''t want Lacey to participate in the tender.


    If Lacey''s factory expanded, he would not be able to force Lacey to marry him.


    In theory, Lacey''s small steel mill was not qualified to join the bidding.


    But after Zeke had brought in an order of 100 million from the Schneider familyst time, Jackson


    suspected that Zeke had some kind of special connections.


    Hence, he had to take this matter seriously.


    ¡°I have to think of a way to stop Lacey from joining the tender.¡±


    Frowning, he began to think hard toe up with a n.


    Soon, his eyes lit up as a feasible idea popped into his head.


    He hurriedly said to his secretary, ¡°Go and invite Adam and Jeremy over. Tell them it''s about something


    important.¡±


    The secretary immediately nodded her head and went to do her job as told.


    Before long, Adam and Jeremy were invited to the Hamiltons''.


    Adam was worried. ¡°Jeremy, why do you think Jackson asked us toe over?¡±


    Jeremy heaved a sigh. ¡°s, it must be because of Lacey again. When Zeke faked his deathst time,


    Jackson also went to his funeral. He had clearly said on the spot that he wanted us to send Lacey to


    him within ten days, or else he will find a way to deal with our family. It''s the ninth day today.¡±


    Adam was at his wit''s end. ¡°Geez, this girl is so exasperating. That loser she got is not even worthy of


    bootlicking Jackson. Why is she so stubborn? I won''t ever let her off if our family is implicated because


    of her!¡±


    Jeremy said, ¡°It''s actually not that difficult to make Lacey marry Jackson.¡±


    Adam asked with great interest, ¡°What do you mean? Do you have a way to convince Lacey?¡±


    Jeremy suggested in a lecherous manner, ¡°When pushes to shove, we can drug Lacey and make


    her sleep with Jackson¡ª¡±


    Adam gave Jeremy the stink eye. ¡°Get lost.¡± He added, ¡°Lacey is your niece, how can you even think of


    doing such a despicable thing to her?¡±


    Feeling guilty, Jeremy hurriedly said, ¡°Dad, I''m just saying. I''m not really going to do it.¡±


    At this moment, Jackson came in.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    The atmosphere in the room suddenly became tense.


    Adam rose to his feet and greeted respectfully, ¡°Mr. Hamilton, you''re here. Please, have a seat.¡±


    Jackson took a seat and offered the two of them cigarettes. ¡°Mr. Hinton, I''ve invited you over to discuss


    matters pertaining to the wedding. How is the preparationing on Lacey''s side? I''m ready to marry


    Lacey at any moment.¡±


    Adam had a ghastly expression on his face. ¡°Um, Mr. Hamilton, don''t worry. I will definitely persuade


    Lacey when I go back. She''s just too confused now.¡±


    Jackson sighed in disappointment. ¡°This is not the first time you have told me this. Do you think I will


    still believe it?¡±


    ¡°Um...¡± Adam was embarrassed.


    ¡°How about I point you in the right direction?¡±


    Adam''s eyes instantly lit up. ¡°Mr. Hamilton, do you have a way to convince Lacey?¡±

 Chapter 80

    Chapter 80


    Jackson said, ¡°I heard Lacey is going to join the tender for the Love in a Fallen City project. I want you


    to steal her bid proposal and substitute it with something else. I''ll then take it from there.¡±


    Adam was confused. ¡°Mr. Hamilton, what is the purpose of doing such a thing? To be honest, judging


    from the scale of Lacey''s steel mill, they''re not a threat to you in the tender. Besides, would she change


    her mind even if her bid proposal was swapped out?¡±


    Smiling indifferently, Jackson leaned into Adam''s ear and muttered a few words.


    Adam''s face went pale upon hearing his words. ¡°Mr. Hamilton, isn''t it too risky to do this? My whole


    family might be implicated if things go south.¡±


    Jackson assured him, ¡°Don''t worry, I will bear all the risks.¡±


    Adam pondered for a moment. Finally, he gritted his teeth and said, ¡°Okay, I will do as you say this


    time, Mr. Hamilton.¡±


    After leaving the Hamiltons'', Jeremy immediately called his daughter, Lily.


    ¡°Lily, I have a task for you. Go work at Lacey''s factory.¡±


    The official public tender for Love in a Fallen City would be held tomorrow.


    Lacey was working overtime toplete her bid proposal, whereas Zeke, after being a ''salesperson'',


    was assigned another role by Lacey, which was a quality inspector.


    At this moment, Zeke was wandering around the workshop, supervising the workers.


    Just when Lacey had her hands full, Lily walked into her office. ¡°Lacey, you busy?¡±


    Upon seeing Lily, Lacey felt that something bad was going to happen.


    Nothing good ever came from Lily every time she came. So, there should be no exception as well this


    time.


    She was a little wary. ¡°Well, I''m kinda busy. Why did you suddenlye, Lily?¡±


    Lily smiled pretentiously. ¡°As a cousin, shouldn''t Ie to visit you?¡±


    Lily then put the two boxes of ''Six Walnut'' she had brought on the table. ¡°Lacey, you should drink more


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    of this. It''s good for the brain.¡±


    Lacey put down her work and said, ¡°Thanks. Seriously, Lily, why exactly are you here?¡±


    Lily sighed. ¡°Lacey, I can''t find a job now, so I want to work in your steel mill.¡±


    Huh? Lacey knitted her brows.


    Lily wants to work at my steel mill?


    With Lily''s high standards, it was impossible for her to be interested in working such a small steel mill.


    Hence, Lacey''s first reaction was that there must be something fishy going on.


    However, she couldn''t figure out what motive Lily could possibly have.


    Lily continued to plead with her. ¡°Please help me, Lacey. I can''t find a job and have been doing nothing


    at home recently. Every day, my dad urges me to go on blind dates, which is super annoying. I admit


    that I used to be quite mean to you, and I''m sorry about that.¡±


    Lacey went soft.


    After all, they were family; she couldn''t turn her down.


    Besides, now that the steel mill had scaled up, she was really in need of talents.


    Atst, she nodded her head. ¡°Um, well, you can start as a clerk, and your standard monthly sry will


    be 4,000 dors. Go and cotest month''s production report and submit it to me.¡±


    Lily nodded her head excitedly. ¡°No problem.¡±


    After giving her the instruction, Lacey Hinton got back to work on the bid proposal.


    It wasn''t until eight o''clock in the evening that she finallypleted the bid proposal.


    After giving her body a stretch, Lacey prepared to send the bid proposal to the Schneider family.


    However, Lily suddenly came up to her, asking, ¡°Where are you going, Lacey?¡±


    Lacey replied candidly, ¡°I''m heading out to send the bid proposal to the Schneider family.¡±


    Lily said eagerly, ¡°Lacey, let me send it to them. I''ll happen to pass by the Schneiders'' when I go


    home.¡±


    Lacey hesitated.


    This bid proposal was very important and confidential, so she was really worried about giving it to Lily.

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    Chapter 81


    ¡°Lacey, do you not trust me?¡± questioned Lily. ¡°We''re family, and I benefit too if you make money. Do


    you think I would make any blunder in this matter?¡±


    Lacey Hinton thought about it for a while before finally handing Lily the bid proposal. ¡°Well then, thank


    you.¡±


    Lily happily took it and left.


    Zeke walked out from the corner. ¡°Lacey, do you really trust her with the bid proposal?¡±


    ¡°She''s my cousin after all, so I think she won''t mess things up,¡± said Lacey.


    Zeke smirked. ¡°Okay.¡±


    This girl is good at everything, but she''s simply too kind and credulous.


    Zeke decided to let Lacey learn some lessons about the human heart to prevent her from suffering a


    bigger loss in the future.


    Meanwhile, after Lily had gone far from the steel mill, she took out a lighter and burned the bid


    proposal.


    She then took out another bid proposal, which Jackson had given.


    She wanted to deliver this bid proposal to the Schneider family as Lacey''s.


    As far as she knew, the content inside this bid proposal was all insults to the Schneider family.


    If the Schneider family read this bid proposal, they would definitely be furious ande after Lacey.


    ¡°Hmph! Lacey, the Schneider family will definitely give you a hard time even though I can''t do so. You''re


    doomed this time.¡±


    The official public tender for the Love in a Fallen City project was held at the Schneider Tower as


    scheduled the next day.


    The entrance of the building was jam-packed with luxury cars early in the morning.


    Prominent tycoons from all over Rivermouth gathered for the asion.


    Everyone looked forward to finding out whose bid proposal could win the heart of the Schneider family.


    Meanwhile, Lacey came with Zeke.


    Lacey was rather low-keypared to the other bidders who were busy engaging in conversations.


    She sat in the corner without saying anything as if she didn''t exist.


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    Zeke asked, ¡°Are you nervous, Lacey?¡±


    Nodding her head, Lacey replied, ¡°Yeah. Everyone here prevails over us in terms of capability and


    financial resources. We''re no match for them at all.¡±


    Zeke smiled faintly. ¡°Don''t worry, Lacey, I think your bid proposal is very good, so you will definitely be


    able to win the tender.¡±


    Lacey gave him a bitter smile. ¡°A good bid proposal isn''t enough. After all, the Schneider family will not


    only determine based on the bid proposal but also the overall strength of apany.¡±


    ¡°You''re here early, Lacey,¡± Lily greeted them with a smile after she came from nowhere.


    Seeing Lily, Lacey was surprised. ¡°Lily, how could you get in without me bringing you in?¡±


    The Schneider family had stipted that eachpany could only send two representatives.


    Yet now, Lacey''s steel mill had three representatives here including Lily.


    Lily sneered, ¡°You think too highly of yourself, Lacey. Who said you''re the only one who can bring me


    in?¡±


    At this time, Jackson approached them. ¡°Actually, I brought Lily in.¡±


    Lacey asked with a look of surprise, ¡°You brought her in? Why?¡±


    Lily is my employee, so why would Jackson bring in someone other than his employee?


    ¡°Duh.¡± Jackson stated matter-of-factly, ¡°Lily is an employee of mypany, so of course, I have the


    right to bring her in.¡±


    Lacey was taken aback. ¡°Your employee? How can it be possible? Lily, didn''t youe to work with


    me yesterday?¡±


    Lily said proudly, ¡°Work with you? Can a clerical job with 4,000 pay a month make me stay? You''re


    delusional. I''m now an employee of the Hamilton family, and the remuneration they''ve offered me is so


    much higher than yours.¡±

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    Chapter 82


    With a wry smile, Lacey shook her head. ¡°Forget it. Do whatever you want. From now on, you''re not


    allowed to set foot in my steel mill.¡±


    ¡°I''m afraid you will lose your steel mill soon,¡± Lily stated.


    Lacey asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Jackson chimed in, ¡±Let me warn you, Lacey. If the Schneider family is taking action against youter,


    just beg me, and maybe I can help you. Otherwise, destruction awaits.¡±


    Lacey frowned. ¡°Why would the Schneider family take action against me?¡±


    She suddenly thought of something as her face went pale.


    ¡°Damn it. Lily, did you do something to my bid proposal?¡±


    Lily yed innocent. ¡°What bid proposal? I didn''t see it.¡±


    Lacey instantly exploded with rage.


    Damn it. She really denies it.


    She must have done something to it.


    She said through gritted teeth, ¡°Lily, y-you''re worse than an animal. What would you gain by making me


    bankrupt?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? I don''t understand you at all,¡± Lily sneered. ¡°Jackson, let''s go back to our


    seats. They will surelye to beg uster.¡±


    Jackson said indifferently, ¡°I''ll tell you one thing, Lacey. As I saidst time, I will make you engaged to


    me in ten days. It''s the tenth day today. You''d better think properly whether you want to be killed by the


    Schneider family or to marry me.¡±


    Zeke, who had been silent all this while, suddenly said, ¡°I''ll tell you one thing too. If the Schneider


    family takes action against youter, you cane and beg us. Of course, I would lose if I helped you,


    though.¡±


    Pfft!


    Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g


    Jackson chuckled. ¡°Beg you? Beg you and make a fool of yourselves? Haha! What a joke. Let''s go,


    Lily.¡±


    Jackson then left with Lily.


    Lacey turned red with anger. ¡°Damn, Lily is so cruel. To think that I trusted her so much.¡±


    Zeke patted her on the shoulder. ¡°Now that you''ve seen her true colours, I hope you learn from it and


    not be soft-hearted next time.¡±


    Lacey sighed. ¡°Let''s go, Zeke. There''s no more hope for us in this tender. We may even anger the


    Schneider family as well.¡±


    ¡°A piece of advice, don''t ever give up hope until the veryst moment. Who knows? There might be a


    miracle!¡±


    Lacey was speechless.


    He thinks a miracle is something that we cane across everywhere, doesn''t he?


    Lacey repeatedly told him she wanted to leave, but Zeke insisted on staying and waiting for the miracle


    to happen.


    So, Lacey had no choice but to stay.


    She was now almost dying of anxiety, as she didn''t know what kind of bid proposal Lily had submitted


    on her behalf.


    Would the Schneider family deem the messy bid proposal they received as a sign of disrespect and get


    mad?


    Hopefully, Lily didn''t go too far.


    However, the truth was that Lily was cruel. She reced the content of her bid proposal with insults to


    the Schneider family.


    Soon, the master of ceremonies took the stage.


    After a brief opening line, he got down to business.


    ¡°Next, let us wee Mr. Evan Schneider from the Schneider family in Oakheart City.¡±


    The initially boisterous hall immediately fell silent.


    Everyone looked at the stage expectantly.


    A middle-aged man in a suit stepped up to the rostrum with great panache.


    Evan Schneider was the richest man in Oakheart City, and the delegate to the People''s Congress in


    Rivermouth.


    He had started from scratch and built a business empire in just a few years.


    To date, his sess story was still being recorded in textbooks, while many businessmen regarded him


    as their life goal and a business legend.


    A big round of thunderous apuse was given to this god-like man.


    Zeke suddenly smiled.


    A pawn I''ve arbitrarily ced has now grown to such a towering height. I''m amazed.

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    Chapter 83


    Evan''s eyes swept across the audience with an air of authority.


    Finally, his gaze fell upon Zeke. He wore a respectful look on his face.


    Zeke nodded his head slightly.


    Only then did Evan clear his throat and say, ¡°Love in a Fallen City is the most important project of my


    family, and it has been listed as a key project supported by the municipal government. So, to participate


    in this project, you must have a certain level of capability. I''ve gone through all the bid proposals you


    submitted, and I roughly know your capabilities. I''m now going to read out a list ofpanies that were


    not qualified to participate in this project due to their current financial capabilities. For those that are


    mentioned, please leave the venue.¡±


    After that, Evan took out a list and read it aloud.


    There was a total of twenty bidders, and twelve were disqualified in an instant.


    Those who left were despondent, while those who stayed rejoiced inwardly as this meant that they


    were qualified to coborate with the Schneider family.


    It was perplexing that Lacey was not on the list.


    How could a small steel mill be qualified to coborate with the Schneider family?


    Perhaps there''s a situation.


    Jackson sneered, knowing very well why Lacey hadn''t been made to leave. The Schneider family must


    be trying to deal with Lacey in front of everyone to set an example.


    Evan continued to say, ¡°Except for one, the eight remainingpanies are all qualified to coborate


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    with my family.¡±


    Lacey trembled with fear.


    That exception must be me.


    The Schneider family is really going to take action against me now.


    She looked up and found Jackson looking at her with a chilling smile. It made her feel even more


    horrified.


    Evan went on to say, ¡°I have rated your bid proposals, and I will assign the proportions of the project


    ording to the scores. I will now announce the scores. The eighth-ce holder is the Chambers


    family of Oakheart City, with a score of 68. The seventh is the Hunt family of Odonvale City, with a


    score of 72...¡±


    Soon, Evan had finished announcing the scores for the second to eighth ce, with the highest mark at


    89 and lowest at 68.


    Now, only the first ce had yet to be announced, while there were only two people left whose names


    were not mentioned, which were Jackson and Lacey.


    Everyone believed Jackson would be the well-deserved number one, while Lacey would be dropped


    from the project.


    Everyone looked at Jackson with admiration.


    Jackson was overjoyed. He never expected he would actually win first ce!


    The Hamilton family was about to flourish.


    Meanwhile, Lacey bowed her head in silence, and clenched her fists, her palms wet with sweat.


    Zeke suddenly grabbed Lacey''s fist.


    ¡°Trust me, there will be a miracle.¡±


    Lacey looked at him with aplicated expression.


    ¡°The first ce goes to...¡± Evan was heard announcing, as everyone held their breath. ¡°Lacey Hinton


    from Oakheart City! With a score of 100!¡±


    Lacey Hinton with a perfect score!


    Everyone was shocked!


    The winner was Lacey, whereas Jackson wasn''t even on the list!


    This result stunned and shocked everyone to the core.


    Jackson froze on the spot.


    How can it be? How is this possible?


    How could Lacey beat me?


    Meanwhile, Lacey was staring ahead with her eyes wide open and tears in her eyes.


    I actually got a perfect score and the well-deserved first ce!


    I''m 11 points ahead of the second-ce holder!


    Is this really happening or is it an illusion?


    She cried.


    All the previous efforts and sacrifices were not in vain.


    Evan continued, ¡°In addition, there''s still a bid proposal that was not selected.¡±

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    Chapter 84


    ¡°This bid proposal is interesting. It''s nothing but insults to the Schneider family.¡±


    ¡°This bidder is quite arrogant. I would like to meet up with this cocky brat if I have a chance.¡±


    At that, he red at Jackson and walked away.


    Jackson froze in terror instantly.


    Why did Evan Schneider stare at me?


    F***! Does he actually think I''m the bidder?


    He shuddered at that thought.


    After Evan left, everyone began to surround Lacey and cotton up to her.


    After all, Lacey had aced the bid proposal, so she had the upper hand in this project.


    In other words, Lacey would be their leader in future.


    Of course, they needed to cotton up to her.


    Lacey used to look up to these bosses, but now seeing all the bosses changed their stance and cotton


    up to her, she was truly ttered.


    Unable to hide her excitement, she burst into tears of joy. She could finally be treated equally, and in


    fact, might be superior to the rest of them.


    Zeke held Lacey''s hand and walked her away from the crowd. He then led her to Jackson and Lily.


    Zeke smiled, ¡°Lily, thank you so much for your help.¡±


    ¡°Don''t forget to im your reward after you''re back.¡±


    After that, Zeke and Lacey turned around and left.


    Lily was confused, ¡°Reward? What does he mean?¡±


    Smack! Jackson gave Lily a p out of nowhere.


    Lily Hinton covered her face in pain and asked, ¡°Jackson, why did you p me?¡±


    ¡°Screw you! You traitor!¡± Jackson yelled angrily.


    ¡°What the f**k are you talking about? You''re the traitor, not me!¡±


    Jackson shot her a terrifying hideous smile and said, ¡°How dare you f*****g talk back to me!¡±


    ¡°I bet you have mistaken your bid proposal as the one from the Hamilton family. Not only that, but you


    also even submitted it to the Schneider family.¡±


    ¡°Now the Hamilton family is in deep trouble, all because of you.¡±


    ¡°Just wait and see, I will do whatever it takes to bring the Hinton family down, even if it means we will


    dine in hell together.¡±


    Lily Hinton finally got her head around at what Zeke had said to her before he left.


    That jerk has clearly sabotaged me!


    I remember clearly that I had explicitly mentioned Lacey Hinton''s name when I submitted the bid


    proposal. How could the Schneider family mess it up?


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Jackson must have misunderstood her.


    If he takes revenge against me...


    ¡°Sh*t! My grandpa and my dad are in danger!¡± Her face turned as pale as a sheet.


    After Jackson left the Schneider tower, he took out his phone to make a phone call.


    ¡°Go and get Adam Hinton and Jeremy Hinton for me now.¡±


    ¡°F*****g b*tch! How dare she mess with me? I won''t let her off easy!¡±


    Meanwhile, at the Hinton''s residence, Adam and Jeremy showed up unexpectedly.


    Daniel and Hannah sat on the sofa, looking uneasy at their arrival.


    They had been told that Lacey had offended the Schneider family.


    Jackson was the only one who could save her now.


    In a threatening manner, Adam asked Lacey to register the marriage with Jackson by today. He also


    said that everyone in the Hinton family would be doomed if she failed to do so.


    However, it was a tough call for Daniel and Hannah. Lacey and Zeke were such a great couple; how


    could they ask the two lovebirds to break up?


    They were put in a tight spot.


    Adam got impatient and hit the floor with his walking stick, ¡°Stop dilly dallying. Make up your mind now


    before the Schneider family targets you two instead.¡±


    ¡°Come on, bring out the household register so that Lacey can register the marriage with Jackson.¡±


    Jeremy joined in the conversation as well, ¡°Jackson promised that as long as Lacey marries him, he


    will let the Hinton family be part of the Hamilton family.¡±


    ¡°In other words, the Hinton family can take this opportunity to be a second-rate family in Oakheart


    City.¡±


    ¡°Look at Zeke Williams; he''s just someone who lives off a woman. What else is he capable of doing?¡±


    Finally, Daniel couldn''t take it anymore. He spoke through clenched teeth, ¡°Enough of you two! Lacey


    has a say in this matter, not you two. Worstes to worst, we will leave Oakheart City for good.¡±


    Jeremy snorted, ¡°The Schneider family is everywhere in Eurasia. Where do you think you run to?¡±


    Adam grew impatient, ¡°Jeremy, don''t waste your breath talking to them. I''m the father, and I have a say


    in this matter too. Go and look for the household registry and pass it to Jackson so that he can proceed


    with the registration.¡±


    Jeremy nodded in agreement and went looking for the household register.


    Hannah was overwhelmed by anxiety, and she stepped forward to stop them.


    Jeremy pushed her away, ¡°Get out of my sight!¡±


    Jeremy pushed her so hard that she fell on the floor and couldn''t get up.


    Hannah shrieked, ¡°Daniel, what are you waiting for? Stop him right there.¡±


    Daniel stepped forward to stop them as well.


    However, Jeremy began to use force against them.


    Adam was so pissed that he kept hitting Daniel with his walking stick.


    The living room went into an uproar.


    At that moment, there was a knock on the door.


    A gruff voice was heard from the other side of the door, ¡°Open the f*****g door now.¡±


    Hearing the voice, Daniel and Hannah were stunned.


    Shit, the Schneider family has found us!

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    Chapter 85


    Adam cursed in a low voice, ¡°Jeremy, call Jackson right away, ask him to...¡±


    Bang! Before he could finish his sentence, the room''s door was kicked open as two burly men came in.


    Jeremy quickly dissociated himself from Daniel and Hannah, ¡°I have nothing to do with this. They''re


    Lacey Hinton''s parents, not us.¡±


    ¡°Get them if you want.¡±


    One of the burly men was stunned, ¡°Lacey Hinton? Who is she?¡±


    Suddenly, Jeremy''s phone rang.


    It was a call from Lily Hinton.


    Jeremy picked up the phone promptly, ¡°Lily, quick, get Jackson for me. We''re innocent...¡±


    Lily shouted with all her might on the other side of the phone, ¡°Dad, run! Jackson wants to get you two.¡±


    What?


    Adam and Jeremy were shocked.


    The other burly man looked at Jeremy coldly and asked, ¡°So you two are Adam Hinton and Jeremy


    Hinton, aren''t you?¡±


    ¡°You two really are gutsy. How dare you two y a trick on Mr. Hamilton. I''m afraid that you two have to


    leave with me now.¡±


    Jeremy was confused, ¡°There must be some misunderstanding. Mr. Hamilton is actually my son-in-


    Bam! Before he could finish his sentences, the burly men knocked them unconscious with one punch.


    Then, Adam and Jeremy were carried away.


    Daniel and Hannah stood still right where they were and looked at each other in shock.


    What the hell is going on?


    After a while, Zeke and Lacey Hinton returned home.


    Daniel walked up to them in a panic, ¡°Zeke, something''s wrong. Jackson took grandpa and Uncle


    Jeremy away. Please...please save them.¡±


    Zeke had imperceptibly be the backbone of the family. Whenever Daniel and Hannah faced any


    problems, they would look to him for his help.


    Zeke and Lacey pondered for a moment and had a rough idea about the situation.


    Zeke asked, ¡°Mom, Dad, are you sure you want to save grandpa and Uncle Jeremy after what they''ve


    done to you?¡±


    Daniel sighed, ¡°What else can I do? They are my father and brother after all.¡±


    ¡°We cannot be as cold-blooded as the two of them. What do you think, Zeke?¡±


    Zeke looked at Hannah for her opinion, ¡°Mum, what do you think?¡±


    Hannah replied, ¡°Zeke, why don''t you tell us what actually happened?¡±


    ¡°Daniel and Jeremy told us you and Lacey have offended the Hamilton family. They wanted to take


    revenge against you two. But why did Jackson take them away instead?¡±


    Zeke sat down before he exined to them, ¡°It was all part of their conspiracy for Lily to join the steel


    mill. It was a trap set up by grandpa and Uncle Jeremy.¡±


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Lily was the one who switched out Lacey''s bid proposal. She submitted the insulting bid proposal to


    the Schneider family and pretended it was from Lacey.¡±


    ¡°No wonder the Schneider family was so mad at it.¡±


    ¡°They didn''t know that I was prepared for all these things to happen.¡±


    ¡°I secretly took a video of Lily switching the bid proposal and sent it to the Schneider family.¡±


    ¡°The Schneider family honours faith and loyalty. If they knew that the Hamilton family was taking a


    short cut, the Schneider family would never want to have any business deals with them anymore.¡±


    ¡°Too bad Jackson didn''t know that I was the one who reported to the Schneider family and exposed


    him. He thinks grandpa and Uncle Jeremy are the ones who betrayed him, and therefore he''s taking


    out his anger on them.¡±


    The Hinton family was fuming after hearing the story.


    ¡°That''s too much! I never thought they would be so cruel.¡±


    ¡°Sigh, why did he do that to his own granddaughter? What on earth is he thinking?¡±


    Zeke asked, ¡°So what do you think? Do you still want me to save them?¡±


    Daniel looked troubled and remained silent.


    Hannah took a deep breath and said, ¡°I think we should save them as they are still Daniel''s father and


    brother. If not, someone will talk behind our back.¡±


    ¡°But we are not going to save them now. We can do it tonight or tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°They''re so mean to us, and we should pay them back in their own coins.¡±


    ¡°What do you think, Daniel?¡±


    Daniel nodded nkly. ¡°Yeah, what you said makes sense.¡±


    Lacey looked at Zeke gratefully and said, ¡°Zeke, thank you for everything.¡±


    ¡°If the Schneider family really thought I was the one who submitted an insulting bid proposal, our family


    would be doomed.¡±


    Zeke replied, ¡°I''m just doing my part as a husband. You don''t need to thank me.¡±


    Lacey blinked her sparkly eyes innocently and asked, ¡°Is it really as simple as you say?¡±


    ¡°If so, why would I get a perfect score for my bid proposal?¡±


    Zeke replied, ¡°Don''t forget that we''re a team. I do have the responsibility and obligation to help you


    amend the bid proposal.¡±


    ¡°We did put in a lot of effort on that bid proposal, so I wasn''t surprised that we got a perfect score.¡±


    Lacey was in doubt, ¡°Really? So, you do know how to write a bid proposal? Then why don''t you write


    one for me now?¡±

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    Chapter 86


    Zeke was embarrassed.


    He didn''t know how to write one, that''s for sure.


    Feeling the awkwardness between the two of them, Hannah broke the silence. ¡°Zeke, you saved our


    lives. To show our appreciation, I''ll cook some delicious dishes for you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mom.¡±


    Hannah smiled, ¡°Don''t mention it. We''re family, after all.¡±


    She then beckoned Daniel to walk into the kitchen with her.


    Daniel muttered under his breath, ¡°I don''t think it''s that simple, what do you think?¡±


    Hannah nodded, ¡°Of course it isn''t. Even if Zeke exposed to the Schneider family that the Hamilton


    family was the one who switched the bid proposal, Lacey would have never gotten a perfect score on


    it.¡±


    ¡°After all, her steel mill is just a small-scale factory. It makes no sense for her to get a perfect score.¡±


    Daniel was lost in his thoughts and asked, ¡°Do you think Zeke knows someone from the Schneider


    family?¡±


    Hannah replied, ¡°Yeah, it seems that''s the case.¡±


    ¡°How about you try to see if you can get some information from him?¡±


    Daniel looked troubled, ¡°How am I supposed to do that if he refuses to cooperate?¡±


    ¡°How about you? Maybe you can sound him out?¡±


    Hannah said, ¡°Nah, it will be much easier if you have a man-to-man talk with him. How about you get


    him drunkter?¡±


    Daniel agreed, ¡°That''s a good idea. After all, we have a bottle of Maotai sitting in our house. We can


    bring it out and serve it to him.¡±


    Soon, the sumptuous meal was served.


    Daniel took out a cherished bottle of Maotai and said, ¡°Zeke, let''s have a drink.¡±


    Lacey wasn''t very pleased. ¡°Dad, don''t let Zeke drink too much.¡±


    ¡°The Schneider family might ask Zeke and me to meet them upter for contractual discussions, and it


    won''t be nice for them to see him drunk.


    Daniel assured Lacey, ¡°Don''t worry, I won''t let him drink too much.¡±


    Lacey told Zeke, ¡°Zeke, my dad is a good drinker. He has a high alcohol tolerance and rarely gets


    drunk.¡±


    This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡°Please don''t challenge him on his alcohol tolerance, alright?¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry. I know I''m not as good of a drinker as your dad. I know what to do.¡±


    Soon, they clinked their sses and drank happily.


    After half an hour, Daniel was as drunk as a skunk. He couldn''t even stand properly.


    ¡°Zeke, I was known as a loyal, brave and resourceful person when I was young. I even had seven or


    eight men at my disposal during my glory days.¡±


    ¡°Too bad mundane life has taken a toll on me. Your mother-inw has always been nagging at how


    useless I am now. But deep down in my heart, I know I''m swallowing my pride and simply waiting for an


    opportunity to shine.¡±


    ¡°Now that you''re here, I feel young again.¡±


    Zeke didn''t even look as if he had been drinking and said calmly, ¡°Dad, you''re not that old yet. I believe


    you will achieve great things in life.¡±


    ¡°I never thought of achieving something great, but I would like to set up my own clinic.¡±


    ¡°That wouldn''t be a problem. Lacey and I can give you some advice; we can make it work.¡±


    Hannah didn''t know whether to cry orugh.


    What a dummy. I''m asking you to pry information out of Zeke, but you''re pouring your heart out to him.


    Well, now what? You''re as drunk as a skunk while Zeke is as sober as a judge.


    As for Lacey, a mood of mncholy descended on her.


    For years, Dad has been living in obscurity and silence. He never confided in anyone.


    But today he pours his heart out to Zeke about how he has really felt for all these years.


    Seems like Zeke does have some talent.


    Hannah started to get annoyed with Daniel''s nagging, and she said, ¡°Daniel, I think you''ve drunk too


    much. Let''s head back to the room and have a rest.¡±


    Zeke stopped Hannah, ¡°It''s okay, Mom.¡±


    ¡°It isn''t easy for dad to support the family. He''s under tremendous stress and will feel better if he gets it


    off his chest.¡±


    Daniel was moved to tears. ¡°You and I really click. I know I can always count on you.¡±


    After a while, the Schneider family called Lacey. They invited her over to the Schneider residence for


    the contractual discussion.


    Lacey told Zeke that it was time to leave.


    Daniel enjoyed his chit chat with Zeke but didn''t want to take up their time either. ¡°Zeke, don''t worry


    about it. Just go ahead. We can continue drinking once you''re done.¡±


    Zeke replied, ¡°Sure, Dad. I will see you soon. Then we can drink to our hearts'' content!¡±


    As soon as Zeke left the house, Daniel slumped into the sofa and started his drunk talk, ¡°This kid, he


    really can drink.¡±


    ¡°If only I was younger...¡±


    Hannah put a nket on Daniel while she secretly wiped her tears away.


    ¡°Why didn''t you tell me you''re under so much stress?¡±


    ¡°Sigh, it''s my bad. I was too harsh on you all the while.¡±


    ¡°Well, look at the bright side. I''m so d we can depend on Zeke now. You don''t have to work so hard


    anymore.¡±

 Chapter 87

    Chapter 87


    Inside the basement of the Hamilton Construction, Adam and Jeremy were bound to the chairs with


    wound and bruises all over their bodies.


    Jackson sat opposite them wearing a maniac smile. He was holding a bloodstained whip in his hand.


    Smack! Heshed Jeremy mercilessly with his long whip and cursed him at the same time.


    ¡°Ba****d! How dare you two y a trick on me. I won''t let you two off easy!¡±


    Despair and remorse washed over Adam and Jeremy.


    They never thought Jackson whom they trusted the most, would treat them so merciless and cruel.


    Adam opened his mouth weakly and said, ¡°Mr. Hamilton, there must be a misunderstanding.¡±


    ¡°We didn''t trick you, Zeke did.¡±


    ¡°Enough, do you think I will believe what you just said?¡±


    There was concrete evidence showing that Adam and Jeremy were the ones who conspired with Zeke


    against him. Even the Schneider family had misunderstood the Hamilton family. He would never


    believe in Adam and Jeremy Hinton anymore.


    Seeing Jackson was about tosh the whip at him again, he shouted in panic, ¡°Stop it!¡±


    ¡°Mr. Hamilton, I''ll fix it for you.¡±


    ¡°You can use us as a bargaining chip and threaten Lacey. In that way, she will admit that the insulting


    bid proposal is from her.¡±


    Jackson sneered, ¡°Don''t tter yourself. Do you really think it could work? Have you forgotten how you


    two treated Lacey in the past?¡±


    ¡°She probably hopes you die now. What makes you think she will help you?¡±


    ¡°Furthermore, I haven''t heard anything from them yet. I bet they have given up on you.¡±


    Adam spoke through clenched teeth, ¡°Ba****d, I''m her grandpa. How can she do that to us?¡±


    ¡°If that''s the case, I won''t go easy on her.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Hamilton, I know who can help us.¡±


    ¡°Tell me.¡±


    ¡°Lacey has a god sister named Dawn Castaneda. Although they''re not rted by blood, they''re like real


    sisters,¡± Adam suggested.


    ¡°You can use Dawn as a bargaining chip to threaten Lacey.¡±


    Jackson was stunned for a moment, ¡°Dawn Castaneda? The name sounds familiar to me.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah, a new salesperson reported for work a few days ago. Her name is Dawn Castaneda.¡±


    He took out his phone hastily and showed the photo of Dawn to them, ¡°Is this her?¡±


    Adam was surprised, ¡°Yup, that''s her. Why do you have her photo?¡±


    ¡°Of course I have it, she''s my newly hired employee,¡± Jackson said.


    Dawn was a true beauty. Jackson had had improper thoughts towards her the moment heid his eyes


    on her.


    Finally, his opportunity hade...


    A fire of deSire red up in his abdomen.


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    He threw away his whip and walked out of the basement. At the same time, he took out his phone and


    called his secretary, ¡°Bring Dawn Castaneda to my office.¡±


    After a while, Dawn came to see him in the basement.


    She was confused about why her boss would want to meet her; she was just a new recruit.


    Jackson locked the door from the inside and looked at her with a lewd expression, ¡°Do you know


    Lacey?¡±


    Dawn replied, ¡°Yeah, I know her.¡±


    Jackson''s smile was even more hideous, ¡°That''s great.¡±


    ¡°If I cannot get my hands on Lacey, you will be a perfect choice too.¡±


    Hearing what Jackson had said, she tensed up. ¡°Mr. Hamilton, what do you mean by that?¡±


    Jackson smiled wickedly, ¡°Take off your clothes and go down on me.¡±


    Dawn''s face turned pale instantly, ¡°Get lost, you pervert.¡±


    After soon as she finished the sentence, she turned, wanting to leave the ce.


    But Jackson wouldn''t let her go. He quickly pounced on her...

 Chapter 88

    Chapter 88


    Dawn shrieked in terror. She quickly grabbed the fruit knife on the table and pressed it against her


    neck.


    ¡°Please don''te near me, I will kill myself if you do.¡±


    Then, she cut her neck slightly with the knife as a warning.


    Upon seeing that, Jackson stopped in his tracks.


    He wasn''t ready to see anyone die in front of him.


    He clenched his teeth, ¡°Take it easy.¡±


    He took out his phone and dialled Lacey''s number.


    Meanwhile, Lacey and Zeke were waiting in the Schneider family''s conference room for Evan


    Schneider''s arrival.


    Lacey felt strange to see Jackson calling her. Nheless, she picked up the call.


    ¡°Where are you right now?¡± Jackson asked.


    ¡°In the conference room of the Schneider family,¡± Lacey replied.


    ¡°Great. You have two choices now. Number one, sign the contract with the Schneider family, and Dawn


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    Castaneda will be dead. Number two, admit that the insulting bid proposal was from you, and I will let


    Dawn Castaneda go.¡±


    What?


    Lacey jumped in terror. ¡°Dawn... What did you do to her?¡±


    Jackson replied, ¡°Don''t worry, she''s still alive.¡±


    ¡°But I cannot guarantee if she will still be alive tomorrow.¡±


    Then, he hung up the phone abruptly.


    Lacey was shell-shocked and fell on the floor.


    Zeke was shocked as well. He held Lacey hurriedly and asked, ¡°What happened, Lacey?¡±


    Lacey started stammering, ¡°Quick... Quick... go to the Hamilton family and save Dawnie...¡±


    ¡°Jackson has Dawnie.¡±


    What?


    A gleam of murderous intent shed in Zeke''s eyes.


    Is Jackson asking for death?


    He consoled Lacey and said, ¡°Don''t worry, I will get Dawnie out.¡±


    ¡°I promise you she will be alright.¡±


    Lacey took a deep breath as she said, ¡°I will go with you.¡±


    Zeke replied, ¡°No, you just wait here.¡±


    ¡°Isn''t Jackson trying to force you to admit that the insulting bid proposal is from you, is it? If so, you can


    try to buy time by pretending to agree to his terms.¡±


    ¡°Give me half an hour. I promise I will bring Dawnie back to you safely.¡±


    Lacey took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down.


    It seemed like the best solution for now.


    She nodded, ¡°Zeke, please get her back safely.¡±


    Zeke nodded and left the Schneider family''s house.


    After he got into the car, he made a phone call to Lone Wolf.


    ¡°Lone Wolf, bring the armed forces in. We''re going to the Hamilton family''s house in Oakheart City.¡±


    ¡°The game is on.¡±


    Lone Wolf replied, ¡°Roger that!¡±


    Zeke left with his car and soon arrived at Hamilton Construction.


    Two security guards stopped him at the entrance, ¡°Back off, no outsiders allowed.¡±


    Zeke punched them in their faces.


    The security guards were caught off guard by his quick punches. They fell onto the ground while blood


    spluttered out of their mouths.


    ¡°Nobody can stop me!¡±


    Zeke walked in the building.


    Despite the pain, the security guards took out their walkie-talkies. ¡°Mr. Hamilton, Zeke is here.¡±


    ¡°Did he bring anyone with him?¡± Jackson asked.


    The security guard replied, ¡°No, he came here alone.¡±


    Jackson sneered, ¡°Very good, let him in.¡±


    ¡°It''s time to settle some old scores.¡±


    ¡°All of the security guards are to gather in my office immediately.¡±


    Zeke soon arrived on the tenth floor of the building without any obstacles.


    Zeke knew it was Jackson''s trick.


    However, Zeke was a military veteran. He wouldn''t care less about the trick Jackson had pulled.


    Bang! He kicked open the office''s door and walked in straight.


    He was stunned at the sight he saw before him.


    Dawn held onto a fruit knife and pressed it against her neck. Her shirt cor was soaked in blood from


    her neck.


    She looked pale as if she would pass out anytime.


    Jackson and his men stood beside her, ring at Zeke like ravening tigers.


    Dawn fell into despair when she saw Zekeing into the room alone.


    How can he beat Jackson''s men all by himself?


    ¡°Brother-inw, get out of here.¡± Dawn welled up with tears as she said it.


    Zeke didn''t heed the warning and walked straight up to Dawn.


    ¡°Don''t worry, Dawnie. Your blood will not be shed in vain.¡±

 Chapter 89

    Chapter 89


    Dawn cried out, ¡°Get out of here. You can never defeat them.¡±


    ¡°Leave me alone. I don''t want you to get into trouble.¡± Dawn sobbed.


    Jackson had a wicked smile on his face as he beckoned his men to block the door.


    ¡°You think you can leave this building unscathed? Your only option is to jump out of the window.¡±


    Zeke ignored Jackson and took the knife away from Dawn. He then put the silver needles on her neck


    to stop the bleeding.


    Next, he moved a stool and let Dawn sit on it.


    ¡°Dawn, sit back and enjoy the show.¡±


    ¡°Someday the dragon will rise, and the river will flow backwards. Someday the tiger will return to the


    mountain, and half of the sky will be stained with blood!¡±


    ¡°I will beat their asses and show them how winning is done. I''m your brother-inw, that means


    something.¡±


    Dawn raised up her head in surprise.


    Is this mysterious man going to show his true colours today?


    What is this man capable of?


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    Is he able to beat off all of them?


    Jackson sneered, ¡°What a f*****g ostentatious man!


    ¡°Boys, go get him now!¡±


    ¡°Let''s beat his ass and let him watch how I sleep with his wife and his sister-inw!¡±


    The muscr men all charged at Zeke.


    Zeke held the knife tight and turned around slowly, looking extremely calm.


    ¡°It''s just... I felt pity for this imported wool carpet.¡±


    Looking confused, everyone wondered what this had to do with the carpet.


    Dawn stared at his back in a daze.


    His figure looked rather familiar to her as if she had seen it somewhere else.


    Zeke finally moved his body when the men came near him.


    He swung his knife at them with effortless grace.


    After exactly five seconds, Zeke put the knife away. He had ended themotion and remained still.


    As for these muscr men, they stood still as if they had been petrified and turned into a status. Then


    they looked at their arms dumbfoundedly while their arms fell off onto the floor.


    Blood instantly poured out from their arms and stained the wool carpet. What a waste of a wool carpet.


    Argh!


    The muscr men finally came back to their senses and copsed onto the floor. They clutched their


    broken arms and screamed in pain.


    A demon!


    Did we just meet a demon?


    In just five seconds, he has cut off all of our arms.


    He''s definitely a demon. How can a mortal possess such power?


    Jackson peed on the spot out of terror.


    His mind went nk, and he felt out of breath as the smell of blood lingered in the room.


    He realised he had gotten himself into deep trouble.


    He leaned his back on the wall and moved towards the door slowly.


    ¡°Demon... A demon...¡±


    Before he could reach for the door, he heard a piercing sound.


    A bullet broke through the window and lodged itself in his thigh.


    His legs turned into a mass of bleeding flesh.


    A bullet!


    Where did the bullete from?


    His fear numbed his pain for a moment.


    He looked out the window in terror.


    There were four military helicopters lingering outside the window.


    As the ropedder descended, dozens of soldiers with loaded guns broke in through the windows.


    ¡°Freeze! Get on your knees and put your hands above your heads!¡±


    Before everyone came back to their senses as the office''s door was kicked open suddenly.


    Men with camouge uniforms poured in, filling the office.


    ¡°Freeze! Don''t move. Otherwise, all of you will be executed!¡±


    The army is here!


    What? Why''s the army alerted?


    Everyone was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Theyid low on the floor and didn''t dare to


    move.


    Jackson cried uncontrobly, ¡°Zeke, I''m so sorry, I will kowtow to you...¡±


    ¡°Please spare my life... Please...¡±


    ¡°Spare your life?¡±


    Zeke sat down and cleaned the wound on Dawn''s neck. ¡°You''ve been sentenced to the death penalty


    the moment youid your hands on my family member.¡±


    Lone Wolf walked up to Zeke and saluted to him, ¡°I''m sorry, Great Marshal. I''mte.¡±


    Great Marshal?


    Everyone was stunned when they heard Lone Wolf calling Zeke ''Great Marshal''.


    The man before us is Great Marshal, the undefeated God of War.


    He''s a legend.


    We actually had the audacity to offend him?


    We''re in deep shit!


    Dawn''s jaw dropped in surprise.


    The trashman is actually Great Marshal. This is so freaking cool!


    ¡°Great Marshal, the whole building is under our control. Please let us know what to do next.¡± Lone Wolf


    reported.

 Chapter 90

    Chapter 90


    Zeke grabbed Lone Wolf''s gun and threw it into the drawer of the office desk.


    ¡°Jackson Hamilton is suspected of stealing weapons and shall be sent to a military court.¡±


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    Stealing weapons? Military court? That''s way worse than the death penalty!


    After all, for the death penalty, the jury can only bring a charge against an individual. Meanwhile, for the


    court case handled in the military court, the verdict would involve the entire family!


    Jackson cried out and passed out in fright.


    ¡°Roger that.¡± Lone Wolf said.


    After receiving the order, the armed soldiers were busy arresting the criminals and photographing the


    evidence.


    Zeke helped Dawn to bandage her wound and asked, ¡°Can you walk by yourself?¡±


    Dawn said, ¡°Huh? I... I''m so dizzy. I can''t walk properly.¡±


    ¡°Brother-inw, can you hug me?¡±


    Dawn wrapped her arms around Zeke''s neck as she spoke.


    Zeke had no choice but to carry her.


    She''s very light.


    Dawn leaned against Zeke with her tear-streaked face.


    What does it feel like to be close to your idol?


    It''s indescribable!


    She felt as if her heart was about to jump out of her chest from beating too hard.


    I can die without regrets now!


    The whole building was full of soldiers.


    As Zeke passed by, each and every one of the soldiers saluted him, ¡°Great Marshal.¡±


    It was the highest honour.


    As he descended to the first floor, he heard a thud sound from the basement.


    Only then did he remember that Adam and Jeremy were still inside the basement.


    He walked to the basement and kicked open the door.


    Adam and Jeremy quickly rushed out from the basement.


    Adam''s temper sparked when he saw Zeke, ¡°You trash! What took you so long?¡±


    Jeremy scolded him too, ¡°Hmph! What did you do to make Jackson misunderstood us?¡±


    Zeke nced at them with disdain, ¡°Don''t you dare mess with my family members ever again.¡±


    ¡°Otherwise, you two will end up like Jackson.¡±


    Adam''s neck turned red from the anger that had surged through him, ¡°How dare you! How can you talk


    to an elderly like this? Who do you think you are? What a barbaric human!¡±


    ¡°I have no idea why Lacey would fall in love with you.¡±


    Dawn sighed, ¡°You''re the one who''s barbaric.¡±


    ¡°Is that how you treat your life saviour?¡±


    ¡°It''s really sad that Lacey was born into your family.¡±


    Dawn''s words only made Adam angrier. ¡°Shut your mouth, you little rascal. I don''t need you to teach


    me what to do.¡±


    ¡°Let''s go. Don''t waste your breath on them,¡± Zeke said to Dawn.


    Dawn nodded and followed Zeke obediently.


    Adam and Jeremy walked out of the basement while cursing at their misfortune.


    When they ascended to the first floor, they were stunned.


    Soldiers!


    The soldiers with loaded guns have taken over the whole building!


    What just happened?


    Meanwhile, someone walked down the stairs.


    Adam and Jeremy were shocked to death upon seeing the way Jackson was being carried away by the


    soldiers. Nobody knew if he had fainted or was dead. His blood dripped along the way.


    Who on earth injured Jackson so badly?


    Adam and Jeremy were speechless.


    After Zeke left the Hamilton Construction, he made a phone call to Lacey to update her on the status.


    Lacey finally let out a relieved sigh after knowing that Dawn was safe and sound.


    ¡°Dawnie, you muste straight home. Don''t loiter. I''m afraid Jackson will give you trouble again.¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry about it, you won''t be able to see Jackson for a while,¡± Dawn replied.


    Lacey insisted, ¡°It''s better to be safe than sorry.¡±


    Lacey didn''t know Jackson had been eliminated.


    ¡°Ok, I will.¡± Dawn gave a half-hearted reply and hung up the phone.


    Then, she looked at Zeke curiously.


    Zeke felt ufortable from the stares and asked, ¡°What are you looking at?¡±


    Dawn then replied, ¡°Zeke, I never thought you would be the legendary Great Marshal.¡±


    ¡°In fact, you''re my idol.¡± It was like a dream to be able to get so close to her idol.


    Zeke shrugged. ¡°It isn''t a big deal.¡±


    Dawn continued, ¡°Zeke, since you are such a big shot, why don''t you let Lacey know your identity?¡±


    Zeke felt headache when ites to this topic, ¡°Well, your sister doesn''t really like the Great Marshal.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Dawn asked.


    ¡°She thinks the Great Marshal and she are diametrically opposed,¡± Zeke replied.


    ¡°Oh.¡± Dawn nodded.


    Zeke continued, ¡°Oh yeah, please don''t tell your sister about my real identity. Otherwise, she will surely


    break up with me.¡±


    ¡°I''m still figuring out a way to let her know the truth. Well, when the time is right, I''ll let her know my real


    identity.¡±


    Dawn replied absentmindedly, ¡°Oh.¡±


    She lowered her head and stayed silent. She looked as if she was in deep thought.


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