Three years in exile: The God of War returns

Chapter 2 - No One Touches My Family, Not Even You

Everyone in the Worthington family was struck with terror upon seeing the speaker.

"Duncan?"

"He looks so different."

"Is it really him?"

Everyone was surprised. Such is the way of the world: stepping on those below while flattering those above. There wasn't a shred of pity among them.

"Impudent. He is my grandson-in-law, so I have the right to discipline him. Who do you think you are?"

Although Luke had been forced back a step by Duncan’s presence, he did not back down, maintaining his superior attitude.

"A useless man like you has even less right."

Every word was intended to strike at Duncan. Luke wanted to assert that his position as the patriarch was inviolable.

"Useless or not, I will not let my wife or my father-in-law suffer any harm."

As he spoke, he shoved the cane aside. He intentionally used enough force to make Luke stumble.

The old man struggled to stay on his feet. Rage flared within him, feeling he had lost face in front of his descendants.

"Oh my. If you hadn't spoken, we wouldn't have known. This is the once-famous Duncan. Didn't you eventually get knocked back to your original form as a beggar?"

The shrill voice belonged to Catherine, the wife of Jason Worthington, the second son of the house.

"If you left, why didn't you stay gone? Did you come back to sponge off the Worthington family?"

Jason glanced over and tossed out a contemptuous remark. The second son and his wife were trying hard to please Luke, so they spared no insults.

Seeing the second couple acting this way, the third sibling, Fernanda Worthington, did not want to be outdone.

"What’s wrong with that? Isn't it because we've become so famous over the years and developed the Worthington Group to the point everyone knows us? It’s only natural he’d come back to beg for a few scraps."

"Is he worthy?"

Luke calmed down slightly upon hearing that, but he did not forget to be insulting.

At this point, Kate finally reacted. The man standing there was indeed Duncan, though he was darker and his body was more robust. He carried an indescribable aura.

"Duncan... when did you get back?"

Duncan helped Gianni and Kate to the sofa, his movements somewhat awkward. He tried to be gentle, but years of battlefield training made his actions a bit stiff.

"I’m back. I’m sorry for letting you all suffer. It won’t happen again."

Seeing Kate cry until her face was flushed—she was, after all, known as the belle of Neon City—even her weeping held a certain charm.

"Why? Is a single apology enough? You..."

The suppressed grievances were too many to put into words. How much humiliation had she endured? How much had she tolerated?

When she needed him, he had left. What was the point of returning now?

"I don’t need your apology."

Kate didn't want to accept it.

"Duncan, you’re back."

Gianni spoke up. At least with Duncan here, for better or worse, Kate wouldn't be forced to marry that pervert.

Though he didn't have much hope that Duncan would accomplish anything great, as long as Duncan refused to divorce, his daughter wouldn't fall into the tiger’s mouth.

"Humph. Don’t think that having this useless man here will bring you peace. The offer stands: get out, or crawl into Young Master Kendrick’s bed."

Looking at Duncan made Luke even more annoyed, but the plan for the Worthington family’s growth had to continue. One Duncan couldn't change anything.

"It’s good you’re here; it saves the family some trouble. I’ll give you ten million. Sign the divorce papers and get lost."

With that, Luke signaled Jason to prepare the documents and the money.

Seeing his father delegate the task to him, Jason hurried to sign a check for ten million and prepared the pre-written divorce petition.

The Worthington family had intended to forge the signature and use their connections to sever the marriage. Duncan’s appearance made it easier.

"Here is a check for ten million. Here are the papers. Sign them."

Jason slapped the check in front of Duncan’s face with a smirk.

"Do you think our marriage is worth only ten million?"

His voice hardened as he frowned at Luke. On the other side, Luke slowly returned to his seat at the head of the room, feeling slightly more relaxed. He assumed Duncan was complaining that the amount was too low.

"For a dirt-poor man like you, ten million is enough. Or do you want to get something for nothing?"

Fernanda chimed in to please Luke.

"Duncan, let me tell you. You’re a strong young man. Take this money, find a place to stay, and get a job to get by. That’s more than enough. Kate will be able to live in luxury in a big house. Isn't that better?"

"That’s right. If you can’t provide for your wife, let someone else do it. You shouldn't make her suffer."

Catherine added another jab.

Sitting in his chair, Luke nodded with satisfaction. Seeing this, the rest of the Worthington family intensified their contempt for Duncan.

"Divorce? You want to force my wife to marry someone else? Don’t even think about it."

Just then, Branwell Worthington rushed into the house with a frantic look on his face.

"Young Master Kendrick is angry. Is everyone done yet? I worked so hard to find such a good match..."

Slap.

Branwell felt his whole body go numb as his cheek burned.