01. Lowly Son-in-Law

On that magnificent stage, Lady Vesper, the head of the Vesper Family, stood with pride. A happy smile graced her lips as she looked at the many people who appreciated her.

Today marked the inauguration of the new building for Vibe Entertainment, the largest media and entertainment company in Aeridonia owned by the Vesper Family.

Observing the face of her grandson-in-law, a slight crack appeared in her smile, but she quickly restored her composure.

With her aged voice, she jokingly said, "Edward Nielson is indeed competent as the CEO of Vibe Entertainment, but if it weren't for the Vesper Family, he wouldn't be where he is now. Perhaps he would have been just a carpenter like his father."

After Lady Vesper's words, the entire auditorium echoed with laughter. Many chuckled at Edward and quietly mocked him in their hearts.

At this moment, the camera focused on where Edward was seated. His expression was calm and dignified, not much different from those born into wealthy families.

Edward seemed unfazed by the ridicule behind the jests. After all, he was accustomed to it. His expression alone revealed how accustomed he was to the current situation.

This was also why people in the Vesper Family were accustomed to belittling him. Edward never retaliated, regardless of his capabilities compared to the original members of the Vesper Family.

Seeing Edward's calm demeanor, Lady Vesper widened her smile and spoke more.

"Poor Edward, really. He's just a tool for the company, but what can you do? He has to find his balance after marrying my beloved granddaughter. Well, it's quite regrettable."

Among those who laughed, those from the Vesper Family and their allies laughed louder than the rest.

Edward lowered his gaze slightly, still wearing a smile, but anyone observant could discern subtle changes in his emotions. After all, Edward was human, he had emotions that could shift with circumstances.

The event continued until 2 o’clock in the afternoon. Edward, as the CEO, delivered the closing remarks. Standing on the stage, he said, “Thank you to everyone who attended the inauguration of the new Vibe Entertainment building....”

Edward’s sentence was cut short as Lady Vesper rose from her seat with the assistance of her eldest grandson. As Lady Vesper stood, many others also stood and greeted her.

Edward could only offer a small smile and conclude his words, stepping down from the stage to assist Lady Vesper, as the eldest granddaughter of the Vesper family began to engage with others.

“Grandmother, where are you going?” Edward politely inquired beside the elderly woman.

Lady Vesper gave him a brief glance and snorted coldly. “I’m going back to the main house, you don’t need to help me. Take care of the remaining matters here.”

Edward’s hand, initially reaching for Lady Vesper’s, hung in the air before being withdrawn. With a polite and respectful wide smile, Edward responded, “Alright, take care as you walk.”

Without a reply, Lady Vesper departed with her beloved granddaughter and children.

No longer concerned with them, Edward turned back to the auditorium. At that moment, his assistant named Jennifer approached and conveyed something.

“Mr. Nielson, Miss Yris is waiting for you in your office,” Jennifer stated.

Edward furrowed his brow in surprise. It was rare for Yris to seek him out. Typically, they would only meet at family events or other important occasions.

Yris was his wife, the eldest granddaughter of Lady Vesper, working as an artist. Yris had a good reputation in the film industry, she was not only beautiful but also talented, with many fans admiring her.

Although Edward was married to Yris, their relationship was not publicized to the wider society. Furthermore, their marriage was arranged according to Mr. Vesper’s wishes before his death. Thus, there was no stronger bond between them than a legal one.

Edward made his way to his office on the upper floor. Inside, Yris was present, accompanied by a young girl who was none other than his junior assistant.

“What brings you here?” Edward asked as he faced the beautiful woman.

Yris didn’t respond, she just looked at her assistant. Then, the assistant spoke to Edward.

“Mr. Nielson, Miss has come to talk to you about a divorce.”

“Divorce?” Edward looked towards Yris, displaying surprise on his face. “Between whom?”

Once again, the assistant answered, “It’s a divorce between Miss and you. Your marriage has lasted for 5 years, which should be sufficient to repay the old man’s favor to you. Besides, Miss has someone she cares about and wants to spend the rest of her life with that person.”

At this point, Edward no longer showed any expression. He remained incredibly calm, as if he hadn’t heard anything significant at all.

Yris furrowed her brow, for some reason, there was anger in her heart when she saw Edward’s composure.

“Does Grandmother know about this?” Edward asked again.

This time, Yris answered, “No. I plan to tell her and the Vesper family about it at the family dinner later.”

Edward nodded. “Fine, it’s up to you. I still have something to attend to now. See you at the family dinner.”

Edward left without waiting for Yris’s response. He needed time to process all of this. Once outside his office, he hit the wall with his hand, causing pain.

Despite their marriage being arranged by Mr. Vesper’s wish, Edward genuinely liked Yris. Yris’s attitude at the beginning of their marriage was different from now. She was very gentle and appreciative, she was the first person to show Edward another side of this dark world.

However, now he had to face the reality that the woman he liked also had someone she cared about, and that person wasn’t him.

In the ebb and flow of his emotions, Jennifer approached.

“Sir, are you okay?”

Edward straightened his jacket, hiding his emotions in his eyes. He didn’t answer Jennifer’s question.

“Come on, let’s go. Isn’t there still a meeting this afternoon?”

Jennifer nodded, not daring to ask further. As an assistant who had been with Edward for a long time, she knew how much Edward cared for Yris. Jennifer could only sigh deeply in her heart.

Her boss was so humble when he loved someone, even willing to be demeaned by that woman and her family. Even the smartest person can act foolish in matters of love.