From Loser to Mighty

12

Alex, never one to miss an opportunity to put Dave down, immediately cut in. "He's an intruder! He tried to sneak in! Just look at him, he even brought that piece of junk urn to the party!" Alex pointed at the urn in Dave's hand with disgust. "I already told the security guards to drag him out!"

Suddenly, another guest, a woman with heavy makeup and a sneering smile, chimed in. "That's right! I saw him earlier. His clothes were shabby, and he was carrying something weird. He must be trying to steal something!" The woman didn't know Dave, but she was already judging him based on his appearance.

The woman's words triggered a reaction from other guests who were also watching. They were all people from high society, accustomed to luxury and perfection. Dave's simple appearance and the urn in his hand became an easy target for insults.

"Yeah, what if he's a terrorist!"

"He's definitely here to cause trouble!"

"Riff-raff like this doesn't belong here!"

Insults and accusations were hurled at Dave from all sides. They didn't know Dave, didn't know the capabilities he possessed. They only saw his appearance, and they immediately judged him.

Insult after insult, baseless accusations, caused emotions to swell within Dave.

If Dave wanted to, he could use a bit of his power to make them all pass out right there. He held back because he didn't want to appear cruel in Karina's eyes.

Karina stepped closer, her eyes pleading. "Dave, please! Just go! I'm begging you! I don't want you to get hurt! They won't care, they'll do anything to you!"

Dave knew Karina cared about him, but the words coming out of her mouth were quite hurtful. Karina still underestimated him and didn't believe in Dave's power.

"You know I saved your grandmother's life. You shouldn't say things like that!"

"Yes, I know you did save my grandmother's life." Karina sighed. "But the situation here is different. They're all big businessmen; their words can't be argued with, and I can't help you if they order their bodyguards to beat you up."

"That just means you still doubt me." Dave gave a bitter smile. "Everyone here means nothing to me."

"Mr. Vogel, stop talking nonsense!" Karina was getting annoyed. "Why are you so arrogant?"

Dave wasn't arrogant. He just knew who he truly was.

Shortly after, the hotel lobby suddenly fell silent. All eyes turned to the entrance. A respectful hush fell over the room.

Marcus Young stepped into the building. He looked more magnificent than ever, wearing a custom-tailored white tuxedo, exuding an aura of wealth and power. Behind him, dozens of personal guards in black suits lined up neatly, forming an impressive formation.

Everyone in the lobby bowed respectfully, greeting Marcus with forced smiles and flattery. Marcus, arrogantly, waved his hand, accepting their homage.

Dave continued to observe from a distance. He saw how everyone respected Marcus. He knew how great Marcus's influence was.

A hotel staff member, perhaps an event organizer, approached Marcus and whispered something in his ear. Marcus glanced in Dave's direction.

Marcus's and Dave's eyes met. Dave knew this was the moment. He signaled Marcus with his eyes, a cue for Marcus to act as if they didn't know each other. Dave didn't want Marcus to reveal his relationship with Dave publicly, especially in front of Karina and the Winter family. That would only complicate things.

Marcus gave a subtle nod, returning Dave's signal. He understood.

However, Alex, who had been watching the entire time, saw that eye contact. Alex had always hated Dave. He cared about no one but himself and power. This was his chance to see Dave truly humiliated by Marcus.

"Mr. Young!" Alex called out, his voice loud and clear. He stepped forward, grabbing Marcus's arm, pulling him roughly towards Dave. "Sir, look at this man! He's an intruder! It's clear this event is reserved for the Young family's invited guests; how dare he get in."

Dave silently chuckled at Alex's ridiculous behavior.

"We need to kick him out!" Alex pointed at Dave, his face full of hatred.

Marcus frowned. He didn't like Alex touching him, let alone drawing this kind of attention at his important event. Alex had already embarrassed him by causing a commotion in the lobby, and now he was trying to drag him into this cheap drama. Marcus had cultivated an image as a controlled, powerful man, and Alex's actions were ruining it all.

Dave was ready. He waited for Marcus to explain to Alex, to tell him who he really was, that he was his savior, his Master.

However, Marcus did something unexpected.

Without warning, Marcus stepped closer to Alex. A cynical smile twisted his lips.

SMACK!

Marcus raised his hand high, then delivered a sharp slap to Alex's cheek.

The sound of the slap was so loud, it cut through the lobby's silence. Everyone fell silent. Even Karina was shocked, her eyes wide. Alex staggered, his hand clutching his reddened cheek, his eyes showing pain and confusion. He hadn't expected it.

Marcus glared at Alex with an arrogant stare. "You! How dare you cause a commotion at my event?! Who do you think you are, disturbing my guests and embarrassing me in front of everyone?! You truly deserved that!" Marcus spat at Alex's feet. "Get out of my sight! And don't ever come back here until you learn how to behave!"

Alex was now humiliated in front of everyone. "Marcus, you're picking on the wrong person. The bum you should be teaching a lesson is him!"

"Still talking, are you?! Do I have to break all your bones before you shut up?!"

"Mr. Young, I—"

"Get out of my sight before I kill you!" Alex, thus threatened, no longer dared to speak much and chose to run away.

Karina, witnessing Marcus's brutality towards her own cousin, Alex, was horrified. Marcus's treatment was incredibly brutal, without mercy. This was her future fiancé, and he turned out to be far crueler than she had imagined.

Karina felt a cold fear creep up her spine. Before Marcus could unleash his anger again, especially towards Dave who was standing there, Karina had to act.

Karina stepped forward quickly, approaching Dave. This was the first time they had seen each other's faces without disguise since their meeting by the river. Their eyes met.

"I apologize for this commotion," Karina said to Dave, her voice low and full of regret. "My cousin Alex tends to speak without thinking, but he's not a bad person." Her eyes pleaded for Marcus to understand the situation. "Please forgive all of us."

"Who are you?" Marcus asked with a sharp gaze.

"I'm Karina Winter," she introduced herself politely.

Marcus was surprised. This was their official introduction, amidst the chaos. His eyes swept over Karina. This was the first time Marcus had seen his fiancée in person.

Karina's jet-black hair flowed beautifully, her face was oval with symmetrical features, her eyes large and clear, her nose sharp. Her lips were thin and naturally red. More than that, the dress Karina wore perfectly accentuated her curves, highlighting her full chest and hips. Marcus saw a woman who was not only beautiful but also exuded an extraordinary aura of femininity. He hadn't expected his fiancée to be this beautiful and attractive.

Karina spoke again. "To prevent your anger, I'll deal with this immediately." She turned to Dave, about to take him out.

Dave just smiled, as if he didn't see this as a big deal. Yet, if Marcus got angry, Dave could be killed.

"Let's get out of here, don't cause trouble!" Karina said. "I can't save you if he gets angry."

Dave, instead, put his hands on his hips, which made Karina's eyes widen completely.

Marcus said, "Why are you sending him away? Let him stay here, I've prepared a special place for him."

Karina turned around, looking at Marcus in disbelief.