THE SURTR: SON IN LAW

CHAPTER 09 FAMILY MEETING

After settling the company's affairs, Sophie asked Ellen to accompany her back to attend her grandma's birthday party.

"Thank you so much for what you've done for my company. Thanks to you, I was able to save the company and expose Zane's treachery."

"It's only right that I do so. I only did what I thought was right."

"Thank you again, Ellen. But, can I ask you for something?"

"What is it?"

"About my grandma's birthday party. Please come with me."

Ellen smiled.

"From the moment you asked, I've already agreed to your request. So you don't need to confirm it again. I will come with you, Sophie"

And Ellen's smile was contagious to Sophie.

"Thank you, Ellen. You're a good man."

"And you're a very dedicated woman. Everyone should be proud of how you maintain your company."

Unfortunately, Ellen was the first person to feel proud of her.

"But before we go to my grandma's birthday party, we should visit the registry hall to register our marriage. We need to get a marriage license before meeting my family."

"And then the wedding party."

Ellen saw the look of doubt on Sophie's face.

"Why, do you think I can't give you a wedding party like everyone else does?"

"No, it's not like that, Ellen."

Although Sophie did have that thought.

"I'm sorry if I offended you. But I think a wedding may be necessary, but just a small party with only your closest family and friends. That should be more than enough."

"No, that's not enough at all. I promise to give you a grand wedding. You have my word, Sophie."

Sophie's doubts disappeared when she heard Ellen's sincere words.

When they arrived at the registry hall, they registered their marriage. They were now officially husband and wife with a marriage certificate in their hands.

And afterward, they went to Sophie's grandma's birthday party. But on the way, Ellen felt something was missing because he came empty-handed.

"Are you sure I don't need to bring a present for your grandma?"

"Yup."

"However, I think I should have brought a present to your grandma's birthday party."

"That doesn't matter, Ellen."

Because her married status was much more important to her. She would no longer be forced to marry the men of her family's choice just for business purposes. Her marriage to Ellen would be a gift to her grandma.

They arrived at Sophie's grandma's birthday party. And she proudly brought Ellen into the presence of her extended family.

"Grandma, we're here."

"We?"

"I brought Ellen with me. Especially for Grandma's birthday party."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Ellen Willmot."

Ellen's handshake and friendly smile were not even warmly received by Sophie's grandma and family. Everyone looked down on him.

"Why did you bring such a shabby man to your grandma's birthday party, Sophie?"

The frown on Sophie's grandma's face grew as she focused her attention on Ellen. A typical lowly appearance with a faded shirt, unbranded shoes, and a watch. Although he had a handsome face, it did not mask the stench of poverty.

"Grandma, please don't talk like that. Ellen is my husband. We are married, Grandma. Our marriage is official."

Sophie also showed the marriage certificate to her family. It left everyone there shocked. Especially with Sophie's work-focused habits, there was no time for her to get to know love.

Thoughts came to her family. How could she suddenly have a husband?

With this sudden news, Sophie's grandma was outraged. Anger erupted on the spot.

"How dare you secretly get married when I've recommended you to so many rich men in this town! Let alone marry a shabby-looking man who's a poor man!"

"Grandma, please don't insult my husband."

"I'm just speaking the facts!"

Sophie was silent. She knew that her family hated poor people and only focused on the rich and famous. Those with titles and great wealth. But to see her husband insulted was to insult her as well.

"This person that grandma has despised has saved my company. To prevent my company from going bankrupt, he loaned me $8 million. And made him a legal shareholder in the company."

"Really?"

The condescending look Sophie's family had shown just a moment ago turned into a look of pleasure. It was obvious that they thought Ellen was a rich person. Instantly, their attitude changed to be kind to Ellen.

"Oh, I guess we misunderstood."

Ellen smiled slightly while Sophie still felt offended and embarrassed by her family's attitude.

"I didn't know you could sell yourself for $8 million, Sophie."

Lily, Sophie's sister, suddenly spoke up. She spoke scornfully about the money.

Lily's statement made Sophie angry and offended, she was about to say something back, but she felt Ellen's hand on her. Calming her anger. Moreover, her grandma and family were there. Her anger gradually subsided.

But without Sophie expecting it, Ellen spoke up in her place.

"Is that something your family should say? Animals even know how to respect their family."

Ellen's words were harsh and cold, successfully making Lily feel offended and humiliated at the same time. She was about to reply to Ellen with the harshest words she knew, but her husband, Daniel Feher, stopped her.

"You'd better control your temper, Honey. We don't know his true identity. He could be a member of a wealthy second-generation family. And we can't afford to make the wrong move by getting into trouble with him."

"But I'd love to tear out that spicy mouth of his. He has the nerve to insult me, Honey!"

Lily grumbled throughout her argument with Daniel which was conducted in a whispered ear.

"I'll get my friend the chief of police to investigate his background. So, please calm down, my Honey."

With her lips pursed and her arms crossed over her chest, Lily was forced to hold back her emotions. Only until confirming that Ellen was a tramp worth trampling on.

In between meals, Sophie's grandma asked about Ellen's life. Her curiosity had been piqued ever since Sophie had talked about the $8 million.

"Ellen, what do you do?"

"I work for Sophie's company."

Sophie's grandma's brow furrowed.

"Only lowlifes and scum work at my granddaughter's little company. And are you one of them?"

But Sophie's mother immediately spoke up with a small smile.

"Mom, maybe that's his hobby. Living like a poor person because he's tired of living in wealth. Once in a while, we need to know how the common people live. Isn't that right, Ellen?"

"Maybe. I usually work at a leisurely pace, but if Sophie or the company needs me, I'll come right away to handle everything."

Ellen turned to Sophie with a loving gaze. To prove that their marriage was genuine and based on love.

"For Sophie, I can even burn more money than I spent to save the company."

And Sophie was melted by Ellen's gentle manner. He is good at making people feel comfortable and flattered. With Ellen, she felt like she belonged together.

"Then, don't you have any property?"

Sophie's grandma asked another question that felt like an interrogation.

"No, I don't. I rent a small apartment near the company.”

Then Sophie's mother joined in with a curious question.

"Are you an immigrant? A rich person from another city?"

"Yes, I'm a newcomer. I'm from the city-"

Before Ellen could finish her sentence, Daniel stood up, interrupting her with fiery eyes.

"Liar! He's not a rich man at all. I have proof!"