George Blackwell

Kimberly turned to him. "Where have you been, Nic? We've been looking for you all day."

Nicholas hated to see no remorse nor guilt written on her face. She seemed relaxed and at ease. 

He demanded. "What is he doing here?"

George chuckled, a smarmy grin spreading across his face. 

"Ah, if it isn't Nicholas, the trashy son-in-law. I'm glad you could join us. I was just showering your wife with gifts, as any man should do for the woman he loves."

Nicholas eyes narrowed. "You stay away from my wife," he growled.

Kimberly stood up, her hands shaking. "Nic, I have something to tell you. I've filed for a divorce."

Nicholas froze. He had only been gone for two days and now she's already filed for divorce?

Kimberly continued. "George has offered to compensate you with a million dollars."

Nicholas heart broke at Kimberly's words. 

He knew she had been driven to this point, because of her family's decision. 

They must've treated her so poorly that she felt she had no other choice but to leave him.

Nicholas didn't want things to end this way. He had enough money now. He could buy the Blackwells and make them his slave. 

The reason why he came back was to to reveal his true Goldstein family and become their saviour. 

He owed Madame Elizabeth his life for protecting him all these years. 

Now that he was the Lord of the Phoenix family, he could return the favor and bless them with his wealth. 

"My beloved, I'm so sorry you had to go through all that pressure from your family. If it's money, I can save the Goldstein family."

Kimberly glared at him "Nic, I want to believe you. I really do. But I need to see some real change, not just empty promises."

"But—" Nicholas began but she cut him off. 

"Don't be foolish," she said sharply. "There's no way you can save my family. You can't even afford yourself new clothes."

Nicholas was awfully silent. He understood the gravity of the situation but she could have at least let him finish talking. 

He knew that the Goldstein family only gave out Kimberly for financial aid. Still, he hated it when she looks at him. 

She looks at him the same way everyone does: with disappointment, disgust, contempt and hatred. 

The only thing she has was a kind heart but nothing more than that for him.

Long ago, he was blinded by her kindness but now he could see clearer. 

She was never emotionally attached to him. 

"Let's not waste our precious time with this fool, Kimberly," George said, placing his hand on Kimberly's small waist. 

Nicholas glared at George as he tried to steal a kiss from Kimberly. 

"Let's not hurry things, George," Kimberly laughed uneasily, shoving him gently away. "I'm not yet divorced. I'm still married."

Nicholas blood boiled. How dare George lay his filthy hands on his wife?

George held her hand and pulled Kimberly to seat down beside him. 

"If that's the case, I'll make sure to hasten the divorce so that I can have you. I can't wait for you to have my babies."

Kimberly shuddered at the thought. It was evident enough that she was forced into this marriage but nobody cares. 

George crossed his leg over the other in the luxurious chaise lounge, a smug grin spreading across his round face. 

"I hate it when a miserable dog like yourself could stand so tall before me. Get down on your knees, dog."

Nicholas hesitated. 

"Do as he says," Kimberly said, curtly. "Don't just stand there. On you knees, Nic."

Nicholas decided to play the role of a fool to fool everyone. 

He was aware of the fake love he would receive if he broke the news that he was the new Lord of the Phoenix family. 

With that in mind, he got down on his knees and glanced up at George. 

Kimberly crossed her arms and looked away, she was incredibly disgusted at Nicholas. 

"You see, my dear fellow," George continued, his voice dripping with condescension. 

"You are simply not good enough for a woman like your wife. She deserves someone with a bit more... shall we say, financial stability?"

Nicholas looked up at George, his eyes filled with anger and despair. 

"How can you be so cruel?" Nicholas spat out. "I may not have your wealth, but I love my wife more than anything in this world. I would do anything for her."

George chuckled, shaking his head. 

"Love is not enough, my dear boy. It takes more than that to provide for a woman like sweet Kimberly here."

"She deserves the best, and I am more than willing to give her everything she could possibly want."

Nicholas fists clenched at his sides but he kept playing the fool role. 

"You may have all the money in the world," Nicholas said through gritted teeth. 

"But you will never be able to give her the love and devotion that I can. She may marry you for your wealth, but she will never truly be happy."

Kimberly stiffened and she casted a sharp looked at Nicholas. 

There was a softness in her hardened eyes that told him he had strucked a nerve. 

George's smile faded slightly at Nicholas words, but he quickly regained his composure. 

"We shall see about that," he said, standing up and smoothing out his expensive suit. 

"I have no doubt that with my vast resources, I have already won your wife's heart. I'll make her the happiest woman alive."

Nicholas shook his head. "I doubt it. You'd only make her miserable for the rest of your life."

George lost his temper and he lunged at Nicholas, grabbing him by the collar of his shabby shirt. 

Before Nicholas could react, George was already throwing punches at his face. 

Alarmed, Kimberly called out her parents for help. 

Lady Clara appeared with master Damian as if they had been hiding nearby all these while. 

George was vivid with rage. He tore Nicholas clothes and sat on him, slapping and punching his face mercilessly. 

Nicholas struggled to pull himself out of the George's weight but all efforts were futile. 

Kimberly and her parents tried pulling George's massive weight but failed. He was too heavy and violent. 

Then they called many other extended members of the family whom stormed into the living room. 

Once they successful separated George from Nicholas, George pointed his finger  at Nicholas face. 

"I will not be satisfied until this street rat is punished severely for insulting me," he demanded. 

Everyone was tensed. They all know about George's horrible temper. If he wasn't pacified, they might lose him. 

Without asking for Nicholas own side of the story, they all barked at him. Some rushed up and kicked him all over his body. 

"You foolish piece of trash. Apologise to George, now!"

"Bow and seek his forgiveness."

"You will ruin us. I'll kill you."

"Say you're sorry before I remove those teeth of yours."

Nicholas wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. He just lost a tooth and his mouth bled from the punches he received. 

Nicholas glanced at Kimberly, she was anxiously begging him to apologise. 

"For heaven's sake just do it," she raised her hands in frustration. 

Nicholas frowned but then he grovelled before George and apologised. 

"Forgive me, George Blackwell. I am sorry for my harsh words."

George smoothen his expensive suit and spat at him. "Never raise your voice at your saviour again, piece of garbage."

And he sauntered out of the house, cursing Nicholas under his breath. Lady Carla and Master Damian chased after him. 

They were afraid of what Sir Harold might do to them if George changes his mind towards helping them. 

They would be the one to take the blame for it. 

Nicholas swore in his heart to deal mercilessly with George. He will make him crawl and suffer greatly. 

George's suffering would be so great he would lose lots of weight off him.