My WONDERFUL SON-IN-LAW

The Birthday Banquet

The next morning, Ethan Reed woke up before sunrise.

As promised, he stood outside washing Kevin Park's luxury car.

A few neighbors passing by shook their heads.

"What a pitiful man."

"I heard he's been living with his wife's family for years."

"He doesn't even have a proper job."

Ethan heard every word.

He simply smiled and continued washing the car.

An hour later, Kevin walked outside wearing an expensive suit.

He inspected the vehicle and nodded.

"Not bad."

Ethan bowed dramatically.

"Thank you for your approval, Young Master Kevin."

Kevin laughed.

"At least you know your place."

Just then, Sophia stepped outside.

She was dressed in an elegant navy-blue gown that made her look stunning.

Even Ethan couldn't help staring for a moment.

Sophia noticed.

"What?"

Ethan grinned.

"You look beautiful."

A faint blush appeared on her cheeks.

Before she could reply, Mrs. Park's voice interrupted.

"Stop flirting and get ready. We don't have all day."

The family soon left for the birthday banquet.

The celebration was being held at the luxurious Grand Imperial Hotel, one of the most prestigious hotels in Seoul.

Ironically, the hotel belonged to Reed Global Holdings.

Which meant Ethan owned it.

Yet nobody in the Park family knew.

When they arrived, Kevin whistled.

"This place is incredible."

Mrs. Park nodded proudly.

"Only important people can book a venue like this."

Ethan secretly smiled.

The hotel's general manager had personally prepared the venue after receiving instructions from Victor.

Every detail was arranged according to Ethan's wishes.

As the family entered the grand ballroom, dozens of wealthy guests were already present.

Business executives.

Investors.

Politicians.

Social elites.

The Park family immediately began networking.

Meanwhile, Ethan was completely ignored.

"Go find a corner and stay there," Kevin said.

"Don't embarrass us."

Ethan saluted.

"Understood."

Several nearby guests laughed.

He then walked toward the refreshment table and began enjoying the free food.

A few minutes later, Grandpa Park arrived.

The entire room applauded.

At seventy-five years old, he remained the undisputed leader of the family.

Everyone rushed forward to present gifts.

"Grandpa, I bought you a rare painting."

"Grandpa, here's a luxury watch."

"Grandpa, I imported this tea from China."

Each gift was met with praise.

Finally, Kevin stepped forward.

A confident smile appeared on his face.

"Grandpa, I spent months searching for this."

He opened a velvet box.

Inside was a golden antique pocket watch.

The crowd gasped.

Grandpa Park's eyes lit up.

"Excellent."

Kevin proudly looked around the room.

His gift instantly became the center of attention.

Then Mrs. Park suddenly frowned.

"Wait."

She looked toward Ethan.

"Where is your gift?"

The room became silent.

Everyone turned toward him.

Sophia's face immediately paled.

She had forgotten to ask him.

Kevin smirked.

"Oh no."

"Did our dear son-in-law forget Grandpa's birthday?"

Laughter spread throughout the ballroom.

Ethan slowly stood up.

"I brought something."

"Then show us."

Mrs. Park crossed her arms.

Ethan reached into his pocket.

The guests watched curiously.

A second later, he placed a small wooden box on the table.

The room instantly exploded with laughter.

"A wooden box?"

"That's the gift?"

"How cheap."

Even Grandpa Park looked disappointed.

Kevin nearly fell over laughing.

"You couldn't even afford proper wrapping?"

Ethan scratched his head.

"I thought the contents were more important."

"Open it then," Kevin challenged.

The wooden box was opened.

Inside sat a plain-looking black chess piece.

The room went silent.

Then laughter erupted even louder than before.

"A chess piece?"

"Is this a joke?"

"What kind of gift is that?"

Mrs. Park looked ready to faint from embarrassment.

Sophia wanted to disappear.

Kevin wiped tears from his eyes.

"This is unbelievable."

Even Grandpa Park's expression darkened.

"Ethan, are you mocking me?"

Before Ethan could answer, an elderly man suddenly stepped forward from the crowd.

His eyes widened the moment he saw the chess piece.

"No..."

His voice trembled.

"Impossible."

Everyone turned toward him.

The man was Professor Kang.

A famous collector and antique expert.

"Professor Kang?" someone said.

"What is it?"

Professor Kang carefully picked up the chess piece.

His hands were shaking.

"This isn't an ordinary chess piece."

The ballroom became quiet.

Professor Kang examined it for several moments.

Then he looked at Ethan with disbelief.

"Young man..."

"Where did you get this?"

Ethan smiled.

"A friend gave it to me."

Professor Kang swallowed hard.

"If I'm not mistaken, this is one of the lost Royal Dragon Chess Pieces from the Joseon Dynasty."

Gasps echoed throughout the room.

"What?"

"That's impossible!"

Professor Kang continued.

"Collectors have searched for this treasure for decades."

He took a deep breath.

"I would personally pay two million dollars for it."

The ballroom exploded into chaos.

Kevin's face froze.

Mrs. Park nearly dropped her drink.

Sophia stared at Ethan in complete shock.

Two million dollars?

For a single chess piece?

Grandpa Park's hands trembled as he held the treasure.

For the first time since the banquet began, everyone looked at Ethan differently.

But Ethan simply smiled and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Is it valuable?"

The guests nearly fainted.

And from a distant corner of the ballroom, a well-dressed man quietly watched everything unfold.

It was Victor.

The loyal assistant smiled.

The game had finally begun.

And the Park family still had no idea who Ethan Reed truly was.