From Disgraced Son-In-Law to Billionaire King

Chapter 2: Rival’s Display of Wealth

“Look at this place, Isabella. It’s too crowded,” Cayden said softly as he stood near the back of the hall.

“It’s always like this during banquets,” Isabella replied. She adjusted the small purse in her hand. Her eyes moved around, watching the guests.

The laughter came from the tables. Visitors glasses were clinking. Guests were shaking hands and greeting one another. Voices overlapped as people talked about business, family, and their wealth.

Cayden glanced at the long tables. “There’s too much food here.”

“That’s how my family prepares,” Isabella answered quietly. “They don’t like to be outdone.”

Cayden lowered his eyes. His jacket was plain. His shoes were simple. He stood still, calm on the outside, but his hands were tight at his sides. Isabella did not look at him. Her head was slightly turned as she scanned the hall.

The doors opened wider, and the voices around them grew louder.

“Antonio is here,” one guest said.

“Finally, the man of the hour,” another added.

Antonio Villareal walked in with steady steps. His suit was sharp and new. His watch caught the light, it's really expensive. He raised his hand in greeting while smiling widely.

“Good evening, everyone,” Antonio said loudly. His voice carried across the hall. “It’s good to see all of you tonight!" Some guests clapped. Others called his name.

“Antonio, you always arrive in style!" one man near the front said.

Antonio gave a small laugh. “It’s not about the arrival. It’s about what you bring with you.”

"Thank you for gathering tonight. Before the event starts, I want to share something with you. I just bought a new car yesterday. It is parked outside. It is the latest model from Germany. It is worth millions. Please, if you have time, take a look at it.”

The guests clapped. Some stood and peeked outside. Their faces were full of admiration. The sound of approval filled the room.

Don Ricardo’s voice was loud. He stood and laughed as he looked at Antonio. “Antonio, you are impressive! You are the kind of man who knows success. You are a man of wealth. That car is proof. You deserve all the praise."

Don Ricardo’s eyes moved toward Cayden after he spoke. His face was firm, but his tone carried mockery. “Unlike some people here who cannot even provide a decent life for their wife. My daughter made a mistake, but maybe it is not too late to fix it.”

The guests chuckled. Their faces were turned toward Cayden. Isabella lowered her head. She did not speak. She stayed quiet, as if she did not want to be involved.

Antonio walked closer. His eyes were fixed on Cayden. His smile was mocking, even though his walk was slow but it still full of confidence.

“Cayden,” Antonio said. “Tell me, have you ever sat inside a car like mine? I doubt it. A man like you cannot afford such things. You probably take public transportation every day. Maybe a bus or an old jeep. Am I wrong?”

The people near them laughed. Their laughter was not soft. It was loud and cruel. Cayden did not move. His face was straight. His lips did not part. He was quiet and his silence only made the laughter sharper.

Don Ricardo raised his glass and looked at Isabella. His voice was serious. “Isabella, look carefully. Look at Antonio. He is wealthy. He is strong and capable. He is the kind of man any woman would choose. Your husband has nothing. He is a burden! You should not waste your life. Divorce him while you still can. Think about your future.”

The table was full of nodding heads. The words were clear. Isabella’s hand was shaking slightly as she held her purse. She did not raise her head. She did not answer. Her lips were pressed together.

Antonio’s smile grew wider. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He opened it slowly, making sure the people around could see. He took out several bills. His hand lifted, and he waved the money in front of Cayden’s face.

“Here,” Antonio said. “Take this. You need it, don’t you? You look like you can use some cash. At least you can buy yourself decent clothes. Or maybe a good meal. Take it. A beggar should not be too proud.”

The people laughed again. Their eyes were on Cayden. Some of them leaned forward to see if he would take the money. Their voices are always mocking him.

“Go on, Cayden. Don’t waste the chance!"

“Even a little help might be good for you.”

“He should kneel for it. That would be better.”

Cayden looked at the money. His eyes were steady. Yet his hand did not move, as he words finally came out, calm and low.

“I don’t need your money,” Cayden said.

The hall went quiet for a moment. Antonio’s hand froze. Then his smile returned. He pulled the bills back slowly. His voice was louder now, and the tone was mocking again.

“Of course, you don’t need it. Pride is the only thing you have left. Keep it, then. Stay poor. Stay useless. At least you know your place.”

The silence was broken by louder laughter. Don Ricardo laughed. Marco laughed. The relatives around the table laughed. Their faces were bright with ridicule.

Cayden's back was straight. His eyes did not move from Antonio. His fists were tight at his sides already. His jaw was locked, while trying so hard to remain compose.

Isabella’s hand lifted her glass slowly. She did not look at Cayden. She turned her head away. Her eyes were on the floor.

The laughter continued. The people were enjoying the scene. The sound of insult was clear in every corner.

Cayden did not speak again. His face was calm, but his eyes were cold. His silence was his only answer. The night was long, but the moment was set. Antonio was laughing. Don Ricardo was smiling. The family was mocking. Isabella was turning away.

Cayden remained standing, alone in the middle of it all, but until when he can endure it all, knowing the woman he loves can't even say a single word to fight for him?