02. Forced to Divorce

Edward brought many gifts for Lady Vesper and her mother-in-law, as well as for Yris's cousins and their nieces and nephews. It wasn't the first time Edward had come to the main Vesper family house without Yris, but today might carry a different significance after their divorce discussion.

As the car arrived in the Vesper family residence's courtyard, not a single servant came to assist in bringing in the gifts. Fortunately, Edward was accustomed to such treatment, so he brought two of his own assistants.

Upon entering the house, no one from the Vesper family greeted him warmly, even though they were all gathered in the living room, engaged in conversation.

Edward's mother-in-law, Monica, gave a cold snort upon seeing her disliked son-in-law, regardless of Edward's capabilities or his family background, which couldn't be flaunted at all.

"You're here, where's Yris?" Monica asked in a cold tone.

Edward smiled politely and replied, "She'll be coming a bit later. There are still some matters she needs to attend to."

"You can't even persuade my daughter to come with you. What kind of husband are you?" Monica complained, glancing at her in-laws as if seeking defense.

"Forgive me, ma'am. But Yris has her own thoughts, and I don't want to force her. By the way, I brought many gifts for everyone."

Edward turned to his two assistants, signaling them to place the gifts near the gathered people. Although everyone was curious, no one moved to take the gifts except for the clueless children who simply liked presents.

Edward didn't mind at all, he was used to tolerating them all. So, he humbly handed out the gifts one by one to the people.

Receiving the gifts and peeking inside, Monica snorted again and said without changing her demeanor, "Don't think we'll like you just because you bought expensive gifts for us."

"Rest assured, ma'am, I'm not trying to buy your affection."

"Humph!" Monica snorted while arrogantly turning her face away.

Lady Vesper emerged from her room and walked with the assistance of her grandson, Bryan Vesper.

Approaching Lady Vesper with a gift box in hand, Edward smiled politely. "Grandmother, I brought you jewelry that you like."

Lady Vesper glanced at him briefly, then shifted her attention to the gift in Edward's hand. Without looking at it, she said, "Just place it on the table or ask Butler John to store it in my room."

"Grandmother, don't you want to see it first? If you don't like it, I..."

Lady Vesper impatiently cut off Edward's words, "It's time for dinner to start, I can't delay it just because of your gift. Besides, I can buy it myself."

Edward maintained his polite smile, though his eyes betrayed a slight change. He no longer dwelled on the gift but sought out Butler John and handed him the gift box.

Even though he was accustomed to such treatment, he still felt uneasy. It became even more uncomfortable when he recalled what he had endured during the five years of marriage to Yris.

No one cared about his feelings, not even a glance. Everyone busily moved to the dining room following Lady Vesper.

Edward followed behind them. He sat in a chair near his father and mother-in-law, with an empty chair next to him meant for Yris.

The servants had served the dishes one by one and stood nearby, not far from the dining table. However, Monica glanced at Edward and asked him to do something. "I want a glass of warm water first. Can you fetch it for me from the kitchen?"

Although Monica's words were polite enough, her gaze towards Edward was anything but friendly. It didn't seem like a request for help but rather a command. Certainly, Monica wanted to assert her authority over her son-in-law, showing off that she could command the CEO of Vibe Entertainment as she pleased.

"Alright." Still with his polite smile, Edward nodded. He rose to fetch a glass of warm water.

Under everyone's gaze, Edward presented the warm water to Monica. Despite being an unpopular son-in-law, Lady Vesper acknowledged his abilities by making him the CEO of Vibe Entertainment, regardless of who actually influenced decisions behind Edward.

Whether it was Lady Vesper or Edward himself, Vibe Entertainment experienced significant progress under Edward's leadership, becoming the number one media and entertainment company in Aeridonia within two years.

"Alright, everyone, please sit and eat. By the way, where is Yris? Wasn't she informed and promised to return today?" Lady Vesper said, looking at Yris and Edward's parents.

"Well, blame Edward for not persuading his wife to come with him," Monica said with a tone as gentle as a good daughter-in-law.

Lady Vesper turned to look at Edward, as if seeking an explanation.

"Grandmother, Yris will be here soon," Edward calmly replied.

"You said that earlier, but Yris still hasn't come." Monica snorted again, rolling her eyes with disdain.

As Edward was about to respond and reassure Lady Vesper, the person in question appeared in everyone's line of sight.

Yris walked into the dining room, holding the arm of a man equally handsome as Edward. She smiled at everyone, disregarding the meaning in their eyes.

"Grandmother, I'm here," Yris said with her gentle voice, letting go of the man's hand and quickly approaching Lady Vesper.

"Who is he? Why are you holding another man's hand when you're already married?" Lady Vesper expressed her anger, but it softened a bit when she saw Yris's smiling face.

After all, Yris was her only granddaughter, of course, Lady Vesper cherished her. She was even the one most opposed to the marriage between Yris and Edward, proposed by her late husband.

"Grandmother, don't be angry," Yris said while holding Lady Vesper's hand. "He is Charles Shirk, my boyfriend, and we will soon be getting married."

Not only Lady Vesper was surprised to hear this, but everyone present, except Edward, was taken aback.

All eyes turned towards Edward, then shifted to Yris, and finally looked at Charles. Who didn't know the Shirk family? Only people from the countryside!

However, Yris was still Edward's legal wife, so no one looked pleased to hear that one of the Shirk family members was dating Yris.

"What do you mean?" Lady Vesper asked loudly, both angry and confused. "You have a husband."

"Husband?" Yris shifted her attention to the silent Edward, then smiled at Lady Vesper and said again, "Oh, soon-to-be ex-husband. Edward and I have discussed it and agreed to divorce."