From Pathetic Loser To A Potent Legend

With preparations in full swing, the powerful Astor family was ready to receive an important guest, Ralph Foster.

Ralph’s relationship with Brandy Astor was no longer a secret, and today was the day he would finally introduce himself to his wife's parents.

As everyone eagerly anticipated Ralph’s arrival, Brandy was in the dressing room with her elder sister, Fiona, who made sure Brandy’s dress was perfectly fitted.

Once they were ready, they joined their parents, Adrian and Jocelyn, who were waiting in the ballroom.

Not long after, a sudden commotion broke out in Astor's grand mansion, drawing everyone’s attention. Anticipation surged as a shadowy figure appeared in the ballroom.

It was Ralph. As he came into view, the room buzzed with curiosity, and soon, their conversations quickly ignited.

However, Vivienne was the only one who wasn't in the ballroom long before Ralph arrived.

But as the meeting wrapped up, Fiona and Brandy burst into Vivienne’s bedroom, only to freeze in shock. There she was, calmly seated on the edge of the bed, scrolling through her phone, a sight that made their hearts skip a beat.

With the smiles fading from their faces, Brandy, Viv’s younger sister, asked in displeasure, “Viv? What are you doing?”

Fiona, her elder sister, took in the scene and, finding it ridiculous, scolded her, “Why didn’t you join us in the ballroom?”

As her sisters stood firm, casting disapproving glances, the slight anger on Brandy’s face made Vivienne’s response seem even more subdued. Her voice was filled with panic as she said, “Brandy, it’s not what you think, okay?” She paused, searching for words. “I was feeling so dizzy... So, uh, I decided to take a nap.”

“Uh, that’s intense! What exactly do you think I was thinking?” Brandy, taken aback by her words, demanded.

Vivienne shot up to her feet, expressing her frustration, “Just stop it, Brandy! I didn’t want to say that. You pushed me.”

“No, Brandy, she wasn’t at home when Ralph arrived,” Fiona quickly interjected after remembering. “Viv wasn’t even here.”

“Yes, I arrived a little while ago. I heard voices from the ballroom when I got here, but I didn’t feel like joining in and went straight to my room to rest,” Vivienne explained.

“Oh, I thought you were at home already,” Brandy said, apologizing.

“No, I wasn't. But well, it is okay,” Vivienne replied, letting out a soft sigh.

"So, how was it, Brandy?" Vivenne forced a smile, glancing between her sisters. "Any good news?"

“Good news? Oh, you missed the entire show, Viv,” Fiona teased, her eyes flashing with a grin. "Ralph was practically on his knees the moment he saw Brandy. And, of course, who could blame him? She had that 'marry-me-now’ glow. Even Dad couldn't resist.”

Vivienne couldn’t believe her ears as she reacted, her face glum. “Aha, are you both for real?”

Noticing Vivienne's shift in expression, Brandy’s tone was soft. She leaned closer, almost like a child seeking approval. “Viv, are you not happy for me?” She cooed, her voice affectionate, as if speaking to a little sister.

Brandy locked eyes with Vivienne before flaunting her expensive custom diamond ring. “He’s now my fiancé! I’m getting married soon. Mom and Dad are so proud of their soon-to-be son-in-law.”

“Ahh, isn’t that amazing?” Brandy added, grabbing Viv’s arm with excitement.

Before Vivienne could answer, Fiona chimed in with a grin. “Come on, Viv, you’ve got to be excited about this, right?”

Vivienne forced a smile, though it lacked the enthusiasm she tried to project. “Of course, I’m happy for you, dear. You know that.”

“Sorry to ask, but... who is Ralph?” Vivienne, a bit skeptical, asked quickly.

“Don’t tell me you haven't heard of him before.” Fiona sounded surprised that Viv didn’t know Ralph whose influence in New York was undeniable.

Brandy came in. “Ralph Foster is the co-founder of Manta Oil Company. He inherited the business from the Foster family along with a huge fortune. His company’s even on the S&P 500 list.”

As soon as Brandy finished describing Ralph, Fiona couldn’t resist clapping, impressed by both his reputation and status. “Wow! A co-founder of a company, and from a wealthy family? My sister has found a worthy husband,” she said with pride.

She added energetically, “Ahh, rich families marry rich families, you know. He will definitely take good care of you.”

It felt as if Fiona’s words were directed right at Vivienne, even if unintentionally. While Fiona had likely meant no harm, Vivienne felt more ashamed. She was the only daughter of their father, married to a poor man, Gilbert Hayes, who worked tirelessly in a warehouse with no future prospects.

As Brandy flaunted her engagement and Fiona boasted about it, Vivienne’s envy ate away at her. It wasn’t that she wasn’t happy for her sister, but deep down, she couldn’t help but feel regret. Watching her sisters secure wealthy partners only made her feel more trapped in her own decision. The pressure mounted, and the more she tried to push it down, the heavier the weight became.

If not for two reasons, she would never have married Gilbert.

First, he donated one of his kidneys to save her life when she was suffering from lupus two years ago. Second, as part of the marriage arrangement, his family agreed to help Gilbert cover his mother’s medical bills as a reward for his significant sacrifice.

If she had known Gilbert would still be stuck in his menial job after two years together, she probably wouldn’t have married him. Even if he eventually found a better job, it might have only extended their relationship but not guaranteed its permanence.

The next moment, Vivienne took Brandy’s hand, eyeing the ring on her finger. She muttered, "Only God knows how much this costs."

Brandy grinned widely. "Ralph said it was $50,000."

That was an amount Gilbert could never afford. He couldn't even manage a $1,000 gift, let alone a $50,000 ring. Throughout their relationship, Gilbert had relied heavily on the Astor family for financial support for both his mother, who had since passed away, and his sister, despite working hard as a laborer.

Vivienne, still burdened by her thoughts, left her room with her sisters to talk things over.

Later, at around 6 pm, she stepped outside for some fresh air, her mind still racing with the day's event. As she stood there, a figure emerged at the gate. It was Gilbert. When their eyes met, Vivienne felt nothing but a quiet resolve. She held her composure, no longer moved by the exhaustion in his face, a sight she had grown too familiar with.

Gilbert approached her, but this time she didn’t rush to greet him like before. Instead, she stood still, hands clenched at her sides, her mind already far ahead, thinking of what needed to be done.

“You look so dull, sweetheart. Hope nothing's wrong?” Gilbert asked, his rough hands grazing her arm.

Vivienne tensed at the touch, uneasy. The callouses from his hard labor reminded her of everything that had gone wrong. She pulled back, forcing a quick reply. “I’m happy you're back. I’m fine.” But inside, her mind raced. His touch felt distant, just like their marriage.

Soon after, they both entered the grand mansion and made their way to their private accommodations within, where the tension between them only intensified.

As Gilbert walked beside Vivienne, their hands clasped tightly, he looked at her with concern. “Honey, you haven’t been at home much. I haven’t driven you to work or helped with logistics. Is everything okay?”

“Gilbert! Tell me? Do you even have time for me?” She snapped, her eyes narrowed. “You’re at the warehouse all day, coming home late. Today’s the only exception.”

Sensing her anger and unease, Gilbert reassured her. “I’m working on something for us,” he said with a smile.

“Something that could make things better, you know.”

“Better until when, Gilbert?” Vivienne’s eyes flared, her voice rising as she pulled her hand from his. “A life of heavy lifting and loading trucks and a wasted future?”

Frustrated, she stepped back, her arms crossing. “Uh, you're holding me back.”

Gilbert froze, his lips parting to say something, but nothing came. He felt a hint of guilt as he reached for her again, but she turned away.