They Called My Wife a Monster, So I Destroyed Their Empire

Chapter 002

"Jennifer, Stop. There are so many guests here. Josephine is your cousin, after all."

An elderly man in a suit approached, accompanied by several others.

He was Aaron Thompson, the head of the Thompson family. Though he was over seventy, his sharp eyes and steady, confident steps reflected his vitality.

The suit he wore enhanced his dignified and solemn demeanor.

The people following behind him maintained respectful expressions, trailing carefully.

Aaron had two sons, Hudson and William.

Josephine was Hudson's daughter, and because of her, Hudson was not well-regarded within the Thompson family.

"Hmph! I'll let you off this time for Grandpa's sake!" Jennifer reluctantly released her grip on Josephine's hair, glaring at her.

"You're lucky, you ugly freak. No one will ever marry a monster like you. Whoever does would have nightmares!" Jennifer's words cut like sharp blades, mercilessly piercing Josephine's already broken heart.

Josephine's body trembled violently, overwhelmed by pain and humiliation. She bit her lip hard, trying to hold back her tears.

Aaron frowned and said, "Jennifer, mind your manners!"

Jennifer pouted but stayed silent, though her face still radiated contempt and disgust.

At that moment, Josephine felt utterly hopeless. She had been abandoned by her own family.

Josephine's parents stood by, watching without intervening. To them, having such a daughter was nothing but misfortune. She couldn't even manage basic tasks like eating and required constant care.

"I will marry her." Cyrus emerged from the crowd, his steps firm and determined, his eyes filled with unwavering resolve.

He gently helped Josephine up from the ground, treating her as though she were a precious treasure.

Carefully, he placed her in her wheelchair, straightening her disheveled clothes and hair. His eyes were filled with tenderness and care.

"Don't be afraid. I'm here," Cyrus said softly, his voice quiet yet full of strength.

Josephine raised her head slightly, her eyes brimming with surprise and confusion.

She looked at Cyrus, this strange yet resolute man, as mixed emotions surged within her.

Her lips trembled as she tried to speak, but all she could manage was a soft, "Thank you."

Tears welled up in her eyes. This was the first time she had felt warmth and protection after years of humiliation.

Josephine didn't understand why this man had suddenly appeared or why he would say he wanted to marry her. But at that moment, her long-frozen heart felt a flicker of warmth.

"Does it hurt?" Cyrus gazed at the scars on Josephine's face, his hand hesitating as he reached out to touch them.

But Josephine flinched, looking frightened. She instinctively shrank back, her eyes filled with fear and wariness.

She bit her lip tightly and said in a trembling voice, "Don't... Don't touch me."

Cyrus's hand stopped mid-air, his eyes reflecting pain and guilt.

"I'm sorry. I won't hurt you," Cyrus said gently, his tone full of tenderness and reassurance.

"You want to marry this ugly freak?" Jennifer sneered, pointing at Josephine with disbelief and contempt.

Nolan chimed in, "Have you lost your mind, dude? Josephine is ugly and disabled. What could she possibly bring you? You must be desperate for women now!"

As he spoke, Nolan eyed Cyrus with disdain, his expression full of mockery.

Cyrus shot a cold glance at Nolan and Jennifer, saying, "Who I marry is none of your business."

His voice was icy, his gaze sharp and unyielding.

"In my eyes, Josephine is a thousand times better than you shallow, superficial people!" Cyrus's words rang out with conviction, leaving Nolan and Jennifer momentarily speechless.

The other members of the Thompson family remained silent. If someone was willing to marry Josephine, it would be one less burden for them.

Silence settled over the scene, the air thick with tension.

Aaron finally spoke up, his voice slow and measured. "Young man, marriage is not something to take lightly. You should think this through carefully."

He studied Cyrus with doubt and concern.

Cyrus met Aaron's gaze and replied solemnly, "Mr. Thompson, I've made up my mind. I will marry no one but Josephine."

Aaron paused for a moment, then sighed. "Very well. If that's the case, it's Josephine's good fortune."

Jennifer and Nolan stood nearby, their faces dark with anger.

Jennifer gritted her teeth and said, "Grandpa, how can you agree to this? It will make the Thompson family a laughingstock!"

Nolan added, "Exactly! This guy came out of nowhere. Who knows what his motives are?"

Cyrus let out a cold laugh. "I have no interest in the Thompson family. I just want to give Josephine a happy home, a place where she won't be bullied."

Josephine sat in her wheelchair, tears streaming down her face, overwhelmed by the steadfast protection Cyrus was offering her.

"Let's go. I'll take you somewhere."

Cyrus began pushing Josephine's wheelchair, and no one from the Thompson family stopped them. Even if Josephine died somewhere, they wouldn't have cared.

A stretched Rolls-Royce was parked at the entrance, its sleek body gleaming luxuriously under the sunlight.

Cyrus carefully carried Josephine into the car, settling her into a comfortable seat.

He climbed in after her, and Shadow started the engine.

The car roared to life and gradually drove away from the Thompson family estate.

Josephine stared at the scenery receding through the window, her heart a swirl of mixed emotions.

Cyrus looked at her, his eyes full of concern.

Josephine felt uneasy, not knowing where this man was taking her or even his name.

Josephine finally spoke, her voice barely audible. "Well... May I have your name?"

Cyrus smiled faintly and said, "My name is Cyrus Parker. Don't worry. I won't hurt you."

Josephine nodded faintly, though the unease in her heart hadn't entirely disappeared.

The car sped along the road, the scenery outside constantly shifting, while Josephine grew increasingly nervous about this unknown journey.

Eventually, the car stopped at a manor marked "Golden Land."

Several soldiers armed with real guns stood guard at the entrance.

This was the most luxurious estate in Millbrook City, spanning 200,000 square feet.