Chapter 1: Return

"Do you really think staying at home and doing housework is so admirable? Our family doesn't need a son-in-law like you! If you can't earn money, you should leave this house!"

"What a disgrace, that old man. It is indeed foolish to think you're a business genius, ha ha ha!"

"Now get out of this house. Existing like you only deserves contempt from others!"

The lingering sounds echoed in Scott's head like the wails of demons in hell. 

Even though a year had passed, those words remained deeply etched in Scott's mind and couldn't be erased.

He thought he could ignore those things, but it seemed whether he paid attention or not was beyond his control. 

Ultimately, those words felt like knives cutting through Scott's heart; just recalling them made it bleed profusely.

Scott stood in front of the A.J Hotel, the most luxurious hotel in City A. 

Drizzling rain lightly fell, causing Scott's tousled hair to be adorned with tiny raindrops. 

However, Scott didn't mind; he didn't even need an umbrella. 

He stood in the rain, leaning against an expensive business car, a cheap cigarette burning in his hand.

Scott didn't smoke often, but he could be sure the taste of this cigarette was truly awful; his throat seemed to be burning, whether from the smoke or the memories he had just revisited, he wasn't sure.

Three years ago, a kind old man had rescued him and brought him to City A. 

Soon after, he hastily married his wife. 

However, the marriage was far from happy. 

After the old man's death, his wife's family always found reasons to kick him out, unwilling to share any of the old man's wealth. 

Additionally, being unable to work outside and only doing housework at home fueled his mother-in-law's prejudice against him.

In reality, not many people in that house had jobs; they all sat around waiting to benefit from the old man. 

Yet, an outsider like Scott naturally faced criticism.

However, Scott couldn't do much about his situation at the time. 

He was being hunted by his uncle, the head of the powerful Arnold family, the most influential family in the capital.  

That was why Scott couldn't go out to work at that time. 

He didn't want to be captured before he was strong enough.

In secret, he had been silently developing his own power. 

He could have provided his wife with a better life in just a bit more time. 

But it seemed his wife couldn't wait, and neither could his mother-in-law or sister-in-law.

Thinking about what they did a year ago just to drive him out of the house, Scott's face couldn't help but become a bit colder.

At this moment, a black umbrella suddenly appeared above Scott's head.

"Chairman, please prioritize your health."

A cool voice resounded. 

Scott glanced back, and the person holding the umbrella was a young man with a tall figure and a naturally cold, melancholic face. 

He was Scott's most trusted subordinate, Walter, who also served as the vice chairman of ProTrade Capital, a powerful multinational conglomerate that wielded unparalleled influence.

At the current moment, saying that ProTrade Capital dominated the entire economy wouldn't be an exaggeration, as there was no business aspect without the presence of this conglomerate.

They lead in many aspects, but the head of their group remains a mystery. 

Scott tilted his head slightly, his face showing little emotion. 

He always stayed the same, never changing, and his mother-in-law would go crazy every time she saw his slow and indifferent demeanor.

Truth be told, it was quite amusing every time she glared at him like an angry toad. 

Scott suddenly chuckled at the thought.

At this moment, Walter spoke again, "This is our first investment project in City A." 

In truth, Walter didn't quite understand why Scott chose City A. 

Whether it was big or small, City A was just a mid-sized city with not too many resources. 

Despite Scott's "turning sand into gold" ability, City A wasn't the optimal choice.

Moreover, from earlier until now, Scott had been standing aside, not allowing anyone to approach, and no one knew what he was thinking. 

Walter couldn't help but think of the most absurd reason. 

He casually reminded, "Chairman, the Campbell family will also be present at the party."

Contrary to Walter's expectations, even after hearing him, Scott's face remained expressionless. 

He didn't say a word, as if he didn't notice the presence of those people at all. 

Indeed, Scott didn't have much affection for his wife's family. 

Since being kicked out, he had severed all emotional ties with them. 

He recalled those memories from that time only to remind himself not to forget the contempt and continue to strive for a higher position.

Scott took a long drag of his cigarette, exhaling a ring of smoke. 

He handed his cigarette to a nearby bodyguard and then entered the hotel.

Observing this, Walter quickly followed Scott with an umbrella, ensuring not a drop of rain touched him.

The A.J Hotel, the grandest and most luxurious in City A, was now owned by Walter. 

The mayor of City A personally organized the party, inviting all the upper-class elites to welcome the presence of ProTrade Capital. 

The mayor and the city itself were clearly expressing a warm welcome for ProTrade Capital's investment.

The appearance of Scott and Walter didn't cause any waves at the party. 

Most people here didn't know them. 

Walter bowed slightly to Scott and then left to meet the mayor, as per Scott's prior instructions.

Scott watched Walter's retreating figure and calmly walked toward the banquet table. 

Truth be told, from noon until now, Scott had been immersed in work, even when sitting in the car. 

Now he was genuinely hungry.

Since there was a banquet here, Scott didn't hesitate to indulge. 

He wore only a black dress shirt and black trousers. 

His handsome appearance, combined with a perfect physique, made him stand out even in simple attire. 

Nevertheless, it couldn't be denied that his outfit was overly simple, coupled with unkempt hair falling freely on his forehead, giving the impression that he didn't take this party seriously.

Many evaluating eyes followed Scott since his appearance. 

Now, seeing him go straight to the standing banquet table and start eating without seizing this precious opportunity to network with others, people looked at him with disdain. 

They felt Scott was just an inexperienced boss of some small company who was lucky enough to attend this party.

Otherwise, a normal person would never behave like this. 

Just by looking at the crowd now, it was clear they were all part of the upper class in City A. 

But to welcome guests from ProTrade Capital, they all made a special effort to look elegant and glamorous, meticulously dressed and made up.

The mayor had also prepared an exceptionally luxurious party here, with the floor even covered in a layer of fresh tiles.

The glass clusters of lights were also replaced to become larger and brighter. 

Fresh flowers adorned the outside and inside of the hotel. 

As for the food, it goes without saying; all of it was airlifted to City A to ensure its freshness. 

All of this was just to prepare for today's party. 

Who wouldn't want to seize this opportunity to expand their relationships?

So, in the eyes of others, Scott was truly a peculiar figure.