From Loser to Mighty

14

Karina remained silent. Everyone had finished giving their gifts. Their goal was the same: to please Wilson Young, get his attention, and hope that Young Enterprise would want to collaborate with them.

Karina observed everything from her seat. The more lavish gifts that were presented, the smaller and more insignificant her antique pocket watch felt. Anxiety peaked within her.

"And now, esteemed guests, let's welcome with thunderous applause, the family that will soon become part of the great Young family, the Winter family!" The emcee announced.

All eyes turned to the hall entrance. Madam Maura Winter stepped in, exuding the aura of a steely matriarch, despite her advanced age. She walked slowly, accompanied by Richard Winter on one side and Sonia on the other. Richard looked very eager, while Sonia wore a fake, triumphant smile. Both of them held onto Grandma Maura's arm very carefully, as if afraid she might fall at any moment, even though Grandma Maura looked much more vigorous than Dave had last seen her.

Wilson Young, accompanied by his wife, Tania Young, stepped forward to greet the Winter family. The exchange of greetings was brief, but full of formality and diplomatic smiles.

Markus, sitting quietly at the main table with Dave and Karina, calmly observed the interaction. His cold eyes occasionally glanced at Karina, then returned to Grandma Maura.

"Please forgive our lateness, Mr. Young," Maura said, her voice a little hoarse but clear. "There were some minor health issues."

"Don't worry, Madam Winter," Wilson Young replied kindly. "We understand. We're glad you could make it."

Richard immediately interjected, his voice full of feigned sympathy. "Yes, Mr. Young, my mother's condition has indeed been declining. Her health has been very fragile lately." Richard glanced at Dave, as if blaming him. "We've been very worried about her."

Sonia added, with a deliberately sweet tone, "Although my mother-in-law's health isn't great, thankfully both her grandchildren arrived here first to represent the family. My son, Alex, even gave a very good gift to the Young family." Sonia gave a thin smile, her gaze directed at Karina, a subtle jab that Karina hadn't yet given her gift.

Wilson looked at Alex, who was standing in the front row of guests who had already given gifts, then gave a faint smile. "That Nuan Yuan painting is indeed beautiful. An excellent choice. I'm sure Karina also has something special."

Maura glanced at Karina. A brief, but meaningful look, signaling that it was Karina's turn. Karina swallowed. She knew it was her moment.

Karina took the pocket watch box from her handbag. Her hand trembled slightly. She stood up, intending to walk to the stage, when Dave held her back.

"Wait," Dave said, his voice soft but firm.

Karina turned to Dave in confusion. "What is it? It's my turn."

"That watch won't be useful for the Young family," Dave said.

Karina was shocked. "What do you mean?"

Dave pointed to the unsightly urn he was still holding in his hand, wrapped in thin cloth. "You need to give them this urn."

Karina's eyes widened. She stared at the urn, then looked at Dave, then back at the urn. The urn was dull, shapeless, and looked like trash.

"What?!" Karina could only gape, disbelieving. "You're telling me... to give them this ugly urn?!" Her voice was stifled, caught between shock and anger.

Dave looked at Karina with a serious expression. "That watch will only make them scoff behind your back. But this urn is something they'll never be able to get their hands on."

"You're insane!" Karina snapped, her voice slightly louder. "You want me to be humiliated in front of everyone?! You want Eager Group to be ruined?!"

"This is the only way, Karina," Dave insisted, trying to explain without drawing too much attention. "This urn is far more valuable than all the gifts they've already given."

"Valuable how?!" Karina whispered back. "This is just an ugly urn you found in a pile of trash!"

"You have to trust me," Dave pleaded. "I know what I'm saying. This will save Eager Group."

"I can't! I won't do it!" Karina shook her head frantically. She felt humiliated just holding the urn.

Their argument, though whispered, began to draw the attention of a few guests at nearby tables. Frowns appeared on their brows.

Wilson Young approached their table, a friendly smile on his face. "What's going on here, Miss Karina? Is there a problem?" he asked, his voice calm but with a hint of curiosity.

Karina stammered. She looked at Wilson Young, then at Dave, then at the unsightly urn in Dave's hand. "Ah, Mr. Young, it's nothing." Cold sweat began to bead on her forehead.

Richard, who had been observing from afar, saw Wilson Young approach and heard Karina's whispers. His face immediately turned scarlet. He saw Karina about to embarrass the entire Winter family in front of all these important people. And all this was because of Dave, that beggar.

Richard couldn't hold back anymore. With eyes blazing with anger, he lunged towards Dave.

"You!" Richard roared, his hands clenched. "You trash! How dare you cause a commotion here again! You want to humiliate us?!"

He didn't wait for an answer. Driven by pure anger, Richard lunged at Dave, a hard punch flying towards his face.

Dave saw the punch coming. He could have dodged, blocked, or even retaliated with a small movement. But he chose not to. He only turned his head slightly, letting the punch land.

WHAM!

Richard's punch connected squarely with Dave's cheek. The sound of the impact was loud enough to make several nearby guests gasp. Dave stumbled back a step, but he didn't fall. Dave's cheek flushed red, throbbing slightly, but there was no serious injury.

Richard didn't expect Dave to stay standing. He was momentarily surprised, then his anger intensified as he saw Dave remain upright. Richard lunged forward again, this time grabbing Dave's collar with both hands, lifting him slightly off the ground, his face close to Dave's.

"I told you, stay away from my family, you loser!" Richard yelled, his neck veins bulging. "You want to ruin everything, don't you?! I'll make sure you rot in jail!"

The atmosphere at the table instantly became tense. Some guests who saw the commotion started whispering, looking awkwardly at Richard. It was not good to cause a scene at a Young family party.

Karina let out a small shriek. "Uncle! Stop it!"

Richard ignored Karina. His eyes blazed, full of deep hatred. He swung his fist again, ready to deliver a second blow to Dave's face.

Everyone waited, no one daring to interfere. Even Markus only observed from his seat, his gaze cold and indifferent. He wanted to see what would happen.

Dave looked into Richard's eyes. Beneath the anger, Dave saw Richard's genuine panic and fear, afraid that all hope would vanish because of Dave.

Marcus was about to stop Richard. However, Dave immediately signaled with his hand that Marcus should not interfere. For now, he would reveal Richard's true character.

Dave still didn't fight back. He just let Richard hold him, his face calm.

Richard swung his fist, ready to strike Dave again.