The Hidden Overlord Halston

Chapter 5

Soft classical music filled the air at Fave Luxury Hotel, where Rivertone's most exclusive party was held. The grand room sparkled with crystal chandeliers and tables adorned with white linen. This party wasn't just a celebration but a stage for the city's elite to flaunt their status.

Held once a year, the Rivertone Exclusive Gala invited only those deemed worthy. That's why guests frowned when Halston appeared alone at the entrance.

Every rich person knew about him since he married a promising woman like Mia. He looked striking in a black suit from a famous luxury brand. But the guests in silk gowns and expensive tuxedos stared at him like dirt on a red carpet.

Jack, Mia's father, squinted at Halston. "What beggar wandered into our party?" he mocked loudly, his voice echoing and drawing small laughs from the group around him.

Mia, standing beside Jack, waved at Halston. Her husband hurried to her side like an obedient dog.

"How long did you beg to afford that, huh?" Jack taunted, eyeing Halston's outfit.

Lucy, Mia's mother, chimed in with disdain. "Darling, you're so clueless! He must've bought fakes!" she said, covering her mouth to stifle a laugh.

Mia finally spoke up. "I gave Halston a bank card to buy clothes so he wouldn't embarrass the Brown family."

Halston didn't respond. This was the first time Mia had defended him in public, even if it was in a demeaning way. Whispers spread quickly among the guests, their voices full of scorn.

"What was Mia thinking, bringing that loser here?" someone whispered.

"Goodness, I'm scared his loserness is contagious. I'll stay away," another replied, sparking soft laughter.

The atmosphere shifted when Nolan Clark walked in. The heir to a major property company drew every eye. His suit was flawless, his smile charming, and his presence undeniable. He walked straight to Mia and slipped his arm around her waist.

The guests held their breath, their eyes darting from Nolan to Halston, waiting for the drama to unfold.

Halston stepped forward, pulling Nolan away. "Don't touch my wife!" he warned.

"I don't think Mia minds," Nolan replied with a mocking smile.

"Apologize to Mr. Clark now!" Mia snapped at Halston. "How dare you act rude to him!"

"Why should I apologize? He's the one in the wrong," Halston said flatly.

Lucy scoffed, hands on her hips. "This is what happens when you invite a loser here! Mr. Clark is a great man in this city, worlds apart from you. You have no right to talk to him like that!"

"Mia shouldn't have brought this loser. Look at his crude behavior. He doesn't even know a hug like that is normal among us," Jack shook his head.

"It's still wrong in my eyes," Halston said firmly. "I won't apologize since I'm right."

Mia glared at him, furious. "Stop being stubborn and apologize!" she demanded, her voice almost shrill.

Nolan raised a hand, his tone soft but dripping with falsehood. "Enough! You don't need to defend me. I understand why Halston's upset, and I've forgiven him."

"Even from a respected family, Mr. Clark is so humble. Unlike someone," Lucy sneered.

"I apologize on Halston's behalf for his rude behavior," Mia said, bowing her head.

Nolan touched Mia's bare shoulder. "I told you, I understand Halston's rudeness. You don't need to worry or apologize for him," he said, acting like a wise man.

As her husband, Halston was never allowed to touch Mia, who always rejected him coldly. But Nolan dared to do it in front of everyone, and Mia accepted it wholeheartedly.

Jack chuckled. "If you compare them, the difference between Halston and Mr. Clark is like heaven and earth!"

"Exactly," Halston said with a smile. "Mr. Clark, the rude one, is the earth, and I'm the heaven!"

Nolan's face hardened. He hadn't expected Halston to counter the insult so calmly. This wasn't the plan. Halston was supposed to shrink in shame, not challenge him in front of everyone. But he masked it with a friendly smile.

"So the Brown family's son-in-law isn't just a loser but a master dreamer. Why not become a novelist instead of a food delivery courier?" he joked.

The guests' laughter erupted, enjoying Nolan's mockery. The mood shifted when Mia suddenly stepped to the center of the room, raising her hand.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention for a moment!" she called. "I want to share some happy news."

All eyes turned to her. Halston frowned, curiosity mixed with a bad feeling. Jack and Lucy grinned, already aware of their daughter's plan. Mia signaled Nolan to come closer and linked her arm with his, causing a stir among the guests.

In a clear voice, she continued, "Today, I'm divorcing my useless husband and marrying Nolan Clark!"

Silence gripped the room. Then whispers exploded, full of shock and mockery. Halston stood frozen, his face unchanged, but his fists clenched tightly. He'd suspected Mia was planning something, but a public divorce? This was beyond his expectations.

Mia went on, her tone sorrowful. "Two years ago, I was forced to marry Halston Wells because of my grandfather's pressure. After he passed away, nothing's stopping me from divorcing him. I'm certain Halston somehow manipulated my grandfather, but I'm free now!"

Nolan stepped closer to Halston, a smug smile on his face. He pulled out a five-thousand-dollar check and tossed it at Halston. "This is for your divorce settlement. Take it!"

The guests' whispers turned into mocking laughter. "Haha, look at that trash! He's speechless!" someone sneered.

"A five-thousand-dollar divorce settlement? Hilarious!" another added.

"That's already a lot for a courier, right?"

Halston picked up the check calmly. "I could use this. Thanks."

The guests' laughter grew louder. "He's got no pride at all!"

"That's how poor people are. Throwing away dignity for pocket change!"

Suddenly, Halston bent down and wiped his shoe with the check. "I forgot to bring a handkerchief to clean my shoe. Thanks for giving me this, Mr. Clark!"

The guests' laughter stopped, replaced by stunned expressions. Nolan clenched his fists as Halston stood tall, his gaze challenging everyone in the hall.