“Father, I—“ For the first time since entering into the courtroom, Valentin had gone speechless. He swallowed thickly, his palms becoming sweaty as his body shook with fear and tension. All around him, everyone gasp at the content of the news. Pictures of Valentin at different gambling houses, losing money filled the internet as well as close up snapshots of him and the secetary he had slept with to get secrets about a rival company in bed. The stock of the Gao Company was going down by the minute as every media outlet carried this hot news. “Valentin, answer me!” His father roared once more. “Who have you offended? The Company is losing its shareholders because of your foolishness!” “Father…. listen to me…. I am being framed!” Valentin stammered in panic. “Don’t believe whatever you see. They are all lies! Those photos might have made using AI.” “AI?! Do you think we are foolish?! Come over here right away and explain all these to your grandfather and pray to the heavens that

A servant hurried into the courtyard breathing heavily. “Old Lady Chen… the Zhao group is here.” “The Zhao group?” They all exchanged glances of confusion, surprise etched on their faces. For nearly two decades, the Zhao family had kept their distance from the Chen family. No one from the Chen family had been able to approach them and neither had the Zhaos. Before anyone could understand the reason for their arrival, the convoy came to a stop. Several attendants in black uniforms stepped out before opening the trunks of the cars. Box after box was carried into the courtyard. Some contained antique paintings, rare jade cravings, precious jewelry and fine clothings. The Chen family stared in disbelief. The sight of these items were enough to reveal the greed in their eyes, they didn’t need an appraiser for this. “Oh my, these are precious items!” “Just one of those porcelain vases is worth millions!” Old Lady Chen took a step forward, her eyes glistening with pleasure at th

“Captain,” Old Lady Chen forced a smile. “My granddaughter and her husband are already on the way. Surely, there’s no need to delay the rest of us since the invitation is here.” “I’m sorry,” the captain responded casually. “Those were my orders.” “This is ridiculous!” Elias spat angrily. “You’re deliberately making things difficult for us.” The captain glanced at him and said calmly, “Everyone is going through the same protocol, Mr. Chen.” Whispers spread through the banquet entrance as more guests arrived, only to find the prestigious Chen family standing helplessly by the door. “Isn’t that the Chen family?” “Yes. I thought Giselle Chen had said the Zhao family had invited them personally. Why are they not allowed inside?” “Perhaps, the invite is a fake.” Old Lady Chen’s fingers tightened around her cane until her knuckles became white as the whispers reached her ears. Dipping her free hand into her purse, she brought out a hundred dollar bill and tried shoving it

The whole banquet hall went silent as they watched Master Gao fall to his knees. This was a very peculiar scene. Master Gao who was very respected and even the second tier families feared him had knelt down in front of a nobody! “Grandpa, what are you doing?” Valentin exclaimed, ignoring the burning sensation on his cheeks as he rushed toward Master Gao. Master Gao was still trembling at Riven’s feet. Valentin glanced at Riven, his face red with rage. “What have you done to my grandfather?! Have you used your hands to touch him and land him in this state? Don’t think the Gao family will let you go scotfree if anything happens to him.” Master Gao looked up at Valentin with rage, and sent another slap across the other side of his cheek. PAR! “Didn’t your father teach you any manners at all?!” He roared. Valentin’s eyes watered with pain as he stared at his grandfather in confusion, holding both sides of his already swelling cheeks. “Grandpa, why did you slap me? I was only look

“Young Master Wang,” Elias greeted respectfully, stretching forth his hand for a handshake. The bickering between the friends stopped as Jake stared at the duo in front of him. His brow shot up inquisitively. “And you are?” Elias’ jaw twiched slightly as he quickly retracted his hand back. “Elias Chen and this is my sister, Alyssa Chen.” Alyssa hurriedly took a step forward with a wide smile. “Good evening Young Master Wang, I have heard so much about you and it’s finally an honour to gain your acquaintance.” “The Chen family?” Jake’s gaze swept over them lazily. “I didn’t expect Young Master Zhao’s invitation to be this… inclusive.” That landed straight as an insult and Jake’s friends chuckled at the side. Alyssa couldn’t help but force out a laugh. “Young Master Wang must be joking.” “Do I look like I’m joking?” Jake retorted. Alyssa reddened instantly exchanging glances with Elias. Jake’s eyes flickered towards their table, his eyes flashed with a hint of interest and lu