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

Chapter 005

Jennifer sat off to the side, seething with anger. Seeing how stunning Josephine had become made her feel like she was suffocating.

"Josephine, now that you're back to normal, your marriage to Cyrus is out of the question. With your current looks, marrying into one of the four major families would be easy," William declared loudly.

His eyes narrowed as he calculated the benefits Josephine marrying into a wealthy family could bring to the Thompson family.

Josephine's face turned pale with fury as she shouted, "Uncle William, how can you say this? I love Cyrus!"

William let out a cold snort. "Can your so-called 'love' put food on the table? Can it bring prosperity to the Thompson family? Don't be naive!"

Cyrus stepped forward, his voice steady and determined. "I won't let anyone come between Josephine and me."

William looked him over with disdain. "How dare a nobody out of nowhere challenge the Thompson family?"

Josephine clutched Cyrus's hand and said, "Uncle William, you're going too far! I won't leave Cyrus!"

Hudson spoke up earnestly, "Josephine, only by marrying into one of the four major families can you gain status and avoid being mistreated. Have you forgotten how people used to look down on you?"

Josephine's body trembled as painful memories of past bullying resurfaced, but she still replied firmly, "Dad, it's all in the past. Now I have Cyrus, and he won't let anyone treat me like that again."

Hudson raised his voice. "Come on, Josephine, whatever Cyrus can give you, the four major families can give more. What kind of future can you have with him?"

Cyrus glared at William and said, "I'll prove with my actions that I can make Josephine happier than anyone else."

William sneered. "That's ridiculous! Anyone can make empty promises."

Josephine shouted angrily, "Uncle William, no matter what you say, I won't change my mind. I love Cyrus, and that's final!"

At that moment, Aaron, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up.

"Enough!" Aaron set his cup down with a sharp clink, the sound echoing through the tense room.

"I'm not unreasonable. Here's the deal: the Jackson Group owes us forty million dollars. If you can collect that debt, I'll approve your marriage to Josephine!" Aaron's voice was deep and commanding, leaving no room for negotiation.

Cyrus responded without hesitation, "Sure, Mr. Thompson. Consider it done."

Josephine turned to him, her worry evident. "Cyrus, the Jackson Group isn't easy to deal with."

Cyrus patted her hand reassuringly. "Josephine, trust me. As long as you're with me, I fear nothing."

Aaron snorted, his expression cold and unyielding. "Don't just talk big. If I don't see the money within three days, don't bother coming back to the Thompson family."

Cyrus nodded firmly. "It's a deal."

William scoffed, his voice dripping with contempt. "You're digging your own grave. According to the records, you're just an orphan who spent a few years in the military, yet you think you can get forty million dollars from the Jackson Group?"

He crossed his arms, a mocking smile spreading across his face as he looked Cyrus up and down like he was a clown. "Cyrus Parker, who do you think you are? The Jackson Group is a business giant with deep connections and immense power. Are you planning to challenge them? That's nothing more than a joke!"

Cyrus ignored William and led Josephine out of the Thompson Villa.

"This lowly creature is disrespecting us. We must make him divorce Josephine!" William's face darkened, his expression stormy, his eyes fixed on Cyrus's retreating figure with anger and disgust.

Jennifer approached William and said, "Dad, why bother getting angry with someone who doesn't know his place? He'll humiliate himself trying to recover the forty million dollars from the Jackson Group. When he fails, we won't even need to intervene. He'll be too embarrassed to see us."

"If we could arrange a marriage alliance with one of the four major families, we'd definitely rise to the top!" Aaron said, his gaze distant as though envisioning the Thompson family's bright future.

"Dad, about Cyrus Parker..." Hudson said cautiously, trying to gauge Aaron's reaction.

Aaron frowned and cut him off, "He is nothing more than an accident. Even if he manages to recover the forty million dollars, it wouldn't make a difference. Compared to the four major families, he's insignificant."

Whether Cyrus succeeded or not, the Thompson family had no intention of allowing Josephine to stay married to him.

Hudson looked troubled and said, "Dad, Josephine is stubborn. If Cyrus succeeds, she won't let this go easily."

Aaron snorted coldly. "She's the daughter of the Thompson family and must prioritize the family's interests. She has no say in her marriage."

Hudson sighed silently, saying nothing more.

After leaving the Thompson Villa, Josephine's eyes were filled with worry. "Cyrus, my family is being unreasonable. They're clearly trying to make things difficult for you."

Cyrus comforted her, "Josephine, don't worry. Since I've made a promise, I'll keep it."

Josephine leaned closer into Cyrus's arms. "Cyrus, no matter what, I believe in you."

Cyrus looked at her with determination in his eyes. "Josephine, for you, I can overcome any difficulty."

"Honey, the Jackson Group isn't easy to deal with. I'll go with you tomorrow," Josephine said.

"Sure." Cyrus nodded in agreement.

Just as Josephine was about to leave with Cyrus, Elena rushed out, shouting, "Josephine, where are you going?"

"Mom, I'm Cyrus's wife now. I'm going home with him," Josephine said firmly.

Elena's eyes widened. "Josephine, have you lost your mind? What can this guy give you? Are you willing to give up the Thompson family's wealth and luxury to suffer with this poor guy?"

Josephine bit her lip. "Mom, I don't care about wealth or luxury. I just want to be with Cyrus and live a simple, happy life."

Elena stamped her foot in frustration. "Josephine, how can you be so foolish? After all the years the Thompson family has raised you, is this how you repay us?"

Cyrus stepped forward. "Mrs. Thompson, I'll work hard to provide Josephine with a good life. Please trust me."

Elena snorted. "What a joke! How are you gonna do that? You can't even provide her with a decent house!"

Josephine held Cyrus's hand tightly. "Mom, Cyrus treats me well, and that's all that matters."

Elena's face turned pale with anger. "Fine! If you leave with him, don't ever come back again!"

Josephine's eyes were filled with tears, but she said resolutely, "Mom, don't force me."

"I'm not insisting on separating you, but if you want to stay together, Cyrus must first recover the forty million dollars. If you insist on leaving, I'll kill myself, right now, right here!" Elena's tone softened slightly, but her stance remained firm, even resorting to emotional blackmail to pressure Josephine.