After The Divorce, I Suddenly Inherited $100 trillion

Caro's Sudden Engagement

Bruce remained quiet. His father-in-law's ranting had drawn the attention of everyone at the party.

A loud murmur spread through the room.

"What the hell is wrong with that fool, Bruce?"

"He just refused to serve the man that saved his in-laws from bankruptcy."

"What an ungrateful bastard. Has he forgotten who feeds him?"

"Marcus is a better man than me. I would've kicked him out years ago."

These insults and snide remarks came from every direction. But Bruce breathed through it. He picked up his spectacles and wore them back.

But then, Caro stepped forward, her eyes full of disgust. "I cannot believe I allowed myself to be married to an ungrateful pig like you. We were in a financial situation and what did you do about it?"

Before Bruce could respond, she fired back. "Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Your salary from your pizza delivery job can't even buy our doormat."

Bruce felt little pieces of him breaking away. He tried to speak but the words died in his throat.

Caro didn't stop talking. "This is why you'll never amount to anything Bruce. You're poor, worthless and pathetic. I'm ashamed to call you my husband."

Bruce gasped, his face falling. Those words shattered him to shards. He gaped at Caro like he had lost the most precious thing in the world.

Willis smiled widely with open satisfaction. He enjoyed watching Bruce's humiliation.

This was what he wanted; the entire Griffin family lining up neatly behind him like loyal dogs.

It amused him how easily he could turn them all against Bruce. It was like taking candy from a baby.

Willis stepped closer to Caro and reached for her hand. She didn't pull away. Instead, she let him hold her hand for as long as he wanted.

"Caro," Willis said, his voice softening. "You deserve better than this embarrassment. You deserve better than a man who brings nothing but shame to your name and your family."

He smiled at her confidently. "I can give your family opportunities beyond anything they've ever imagined. No one would dare look down on the Griffin name again."

Then Willis did the unthinkable.

He released Caro's hand and went down on one knee.

Everyone caught their breath sharply.

Willis looked up at Caro, reaching for his pocket. "Caro, I love you. I want to start a life with you," he pulled out a small velvet box and opened it. "Marry me."

The room fell into a stunned silence.

Inside the box was a diamond ring so beautiful it glittered under the chandelier lights.

Caro's lips parted in surprise. She couldn't believe her eyes. This wasn't how she had imagined the night to unfold.

"Willis," she finally spoke, covering her mouth, "This is so sudden. I'm already married to Bruce or have you forgotten?"

Bruce's gaze darted to Caro, his heart racing. Was she about to reject Willis' proposal to protect their marriage?

Willis scoffed. "So what? Ditch him. What exactly can he offer you Caro? I'll give you the world on a silver platter. Bruce would give you nothing but crumbs."

A few people murmured in agreement.

Caro swallowed. "It's not that simple. You see, Bruce and I were forced into marriage by my grandmother. It was a contract marriage."

Willis tilted his head. "Really?"

"Sadly, yes," Caro continued, "if I divorce him, the Griffin family is legally obligated to pay him a settlement of over $3 million."

"It's true," Marcus said heavily. "As much as I would welcome you as my son-in-law, Mr. Willis, the contract is airtight. If Caro files a divorce, Bruce would be a millionaire. We can't afford to lose that kind of money."

He paused, his eyes sliding to Bruce with contempt.

"The only way out," Marcus went on, "is if he initiates the divorce. The contract states clearly that if Bruce divorces Caro of his own will, he walks away with nothing."

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Bruce as though he was under a spotlight.

Then, Willis laughed softly. "Well, well, well. This has gotten really interesting."

He rose to his feet and straightened his jacket. He looked at Marcus. Then at Caro.

"I'll buy the contract," Willis announced.

Everybody froze. Including Bruce.

"Y-You can't do that," Bruce whispered, his face growing pale. "it's legally not possible."

"Oh, nothing is impossible for me," Willis bragged. He turned to Caro. "Leave the legal work to me, dear. I'll free you and your family from this trap called marriage. If you'll marry me."

Bruce hurried over to Caro. He knelt on the floor and grabbed her hand. "Don't listen to him, Caro. He's only doing this out of spite. I still love you. I'm ready to forgive you for the other night. Don't throw away our marriage."

Caro stared down at him like he was dog shit. The disgust in her eyes filled him with dread.

"Let go of me," She spat. "Damn it. You bastard, I said let go!" She kicked him in the face causing Bruce to sprawl on the floor.

Without sparing him a second glance, she faced Willis and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Yes, Willis," She smiled, her lipstick widening. "I will marry you."

To Bruce's horror, they kissed right in front of him.

Willis slipped the ring on her finger. The guests and members of the Griffin family cheered with applause from every corner of the house.

Bruce remained on the floor, watching them in horror.

Suddenly something dark awakened inside him.

His eyes hardened, his fists clenched and his teeth sank in his lips, drawing blood.

"You'll pay for this, Willis," he whispered, amidst the loud clap and noise. "All of you. You'll pay!"

He slowly rose to his feet like a man free from his shell. There was no empathy in his eyes. Only revenge.

Adjusting his spectacles, Bruce turned his back and walked out of the room.

No one knew at that particular moment that they'd just created a monster who would turn back to haunt them in the future.