Author: BTMBeta

Everyone looked at Levi in bewilderment. \”What? Leave it to you? You just got out of prison. Do you have the money?\”

\”I… I’ll come up with something.\”

Levi had a card with him, but he didn’t know how much was inside.

\”Don’t force yourself and do anything that is out of line! We’ll just let it go if things don’t work out,\” Zoey said, looking at Levi worryingly, afraid he would do something extreme.

\”Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it,\” Levi replied, holding her hands.

The next day, Levi went out alone.

As soon as he arrived at the intersection, a Maybach came to a halt at the side.

Azure Dragon got down from the car and ushered Levi to get in.

\”Any updates on the Garrison family? Is anyone coming to apologize?\” Levi asked.

Azure Dragon shook his head. \”Not one of them are repenting.\”

A cold glint flashed across Levi’s eyes. \”It’s time to show them a little something.\”

Arriving at the bank, Levi withdrew five million cash in one go.

The staff at the bank looked at him, appalled, and was especially horrified to see the man in military uniform standing next to him.

That’s the King of War!

Hans, the general manager of North Hampton Bank’s head office, came to serve in person.

In the end, he and Hailey, a tall woman with a pleasant-looking face, helped to carry the briefcases of cash from the VIP passageway.

Hailey couldn’t help but steal a second glance at Levi, who seemed familiar to her.

\”His identity is so intimidating, even our chief almost ran over here.\”

After sending them off, Hans drew in a deep breath.

\”Who was that, Mr. Lowery?\” Hailey asked curiously. \”Is the one next to him in a military uniform someone famous?\”

\”That person is a bona fide King of War! Having the King of War as his follower… Think about it,\” Hans said lowly.

\”Damn!\” Hailey gasped in shock.

\”So don’t mention about today and keep everything confidential.\”

Hailey nodded. \”Understood!\”

\”No matter who asks, just say it’s a loan, and forge a receipt or something.\”

\”Yes, sir!\”

…

At night, when Levi returned home carrying five briefcases full of cash, Zoey and her parents were dumbfounded.

They counted them three times, and lo and behold, there were indeed five million.

\”W-Where did you get so much money? Please don’t tell me it’s from the loan sharks.\”

Zoey freaked out.

\”What loan sharks! Don’t worry about it! Anyhow, I got the money, so use this to solve your urgent problem first,\” Levi said.

\”Yes, let’s solve this first,\” Aaron concurred.

\”But 2.8 million is enough! Why did you get five million?\” Zoey asked in confusion.

\”You’ll see when the time comes.\”

…

Upon hearing the news that they were going to pay up, Henry came to collect the money himself.

\”Damn, Aaron. That was fast,\” Henry jeered. \”You sure there’s 2.8 million? It must be hard on you. I’d thought you couldn’t afford to pay us back.\”

Aaron glared at him. \”That is none of your concern. Anyway, I’ve put together 2.8 million, and that settles our debt!\”

\”Who said it’s 2.8 million?\” sneered Henry, changing the subject. \”We need to take the many days of interest into account. Here’s the IOU. Including the interest, it should be about five million plus, but we’ll just charge you five million.\”

\”What? Five million? How is it five million? Even the loan sharks are not as demanding as you!\”

Aaron and Zoey were thunderstruck.

\”Dad lent it to us unconditionally back then,\” Caitlyn said. \”How can there be interest?\”

\”My dear Caitlyn, you are so naïve! Dad borrowed the money to help you, but we’re all entrepreneurs; let’s not bring familial affection into this matter. What can I do if you people didn’t read the IOU carefully?\”

Zoey and Aaron took the IOU and calculated them, and indeed there was interest.

They finally knew why Levi had brought five million.

However, it was obvious that the IOU had been amended!

How cruel!

I can’t believe Grandpa is doing this to me!

Am I just an outsider to him?

Zoey teared up.

Aaron too was crestfallen.

Is he even my biological father?

How could he use such dirty tricks on us?

\”What? You won’t admit it? Okay, fine! I’ll sue you then!\” Henry sniggered.

\”Why wouldn’t we?! Five million, right? Here, take it!\”

Levi put five briefcases of cash in front of Henry.

After checking them, Henry and a few others were gobsmacked.

Its real money! And there’s exactly five million!

Levi recorded the scene and tore up the IOU.

\”Where did you get five million?\”

Henry was on the verge of doubting reality.

\”That’s none of your business. Get lost!\”

Levi chased them out.

At the Lopez residence, everyone was staring at the five million on the table with eyes and mouth wide agape.

\”How did they get this money? Did they go all out to collect five million just to prevent us from touching that ten billion project?\”

Fabian arrived just then.

\”Dad, I’ve found out that Levi borrowed these five million! He seems to have some property that can be used as a collateral,\” he said.

\”Are you sure?\” Harry asked seriously.

\”I’m sure! The person in charge of this transaction was Ms. Hailey Stinson, the senior director of North Hampton Bank’s head office. I somehow managed to contact her, and she admitted herself it was a person named Levi Garrison who borrowed it. I’d spent a hundred thousand to get a copy of the invoice!\”

After receiving the invoice, Harry confirmed it was true.

\”Haha, borrowed? Let see how he’s going to pay it back.\”

\”The biggest question is, how are they going to work on this project? They would still have to come to us in the end!\”

…

Zoey felt it was too surreal to solve such a big issue.

She was touched when she learned from the Lopez family that it was Levi who borrowed the money to settle their debts.

\”We should bring in investments and start the project as soon as possible!\”

\”But that’s another big problem there. We’ll need lots of funds to develop this project.\”

According to Zoey’s budget, a start-up capital of thirty million would be required and at least seventy million would be needed subsequently.

Aaron gave a low moan of despair. It was too difficult a task to accomplish.

\”Do you have any idea?\” asked Zoey, looking at Levi.

Levi smiled. \”We’ll just look for big companies then. We’ll try door to door. This project is a gold mine! I’m sure many companies will be interested.\”

Zoey nodded. \”I know that, but I’m afraid they’ll ask for a lot in return once they agree. There will be many overlord terms!\”

\”There’s no harm in trying, right? You’ll never know if there’s someone who would invest with no strings attached if you don’t try,\” Levi beamed.

\”How is that possible?\”

Zoey was deeply suspicious.

Everyone in the Lopez family was baffled.

Zoey would have agreed, but with Levi around her, they weren’t so sure about that.

\”What do we do now? Who knows if Zoey disappeared with Levi again. If we don’t find them by afternoon, Mr. Jennings will consider us to have voluntarily given up on the project,\” Samuel said anxiously.

\”Hmph, she’s threatening me! Even going as far as to give me terms!\” Harry retorted, then made a call. \”What’s the meaning of this, Levi? You don’t want this project anymore?\”

\”That’s right, it has nothing to do with me, anyway! Weren’t you guys trying to lay Zoey off? We might as well leave this project alone,\” Levi retaliated.

\”Levi, Grandpa has no other meaning,\” Harry toned down. \”Come and sign the contract with Zoey. In the future, Zoey will be in charge of this development project. That’s what Mr. Jennings wants too.\”

\”Well, I’m not so sure about that. I’m afraid that Zoey would be laid off at any time.\”

\”Name your conditions, Levi. How can I get Zoey to sign the contract?\”

Harry was infuriated, but he couldn’t help it.

\”Conditions? Number one, Imperial Meadows Limited will fully develop this project, and no other companies of Lopez Group shall be directly involved. Number two, Imperial Meadows Limited shall be separated from Lopez Group and become an independent company. But Zoey has agreed to hand over some parts of the development project to you. I mean, we should all make money together, right? As long as you agree to the conditions mentioned, I’ll bring Zoey over to sign the contract right away!\”

Harry blew a gasket after Levi finished speaking.

Levi is getting Zoey to cut all ties with the Lopez family.

In other words, the Lopez family will have nothing to do with this project, and it depends on Zoey if we want to get a piece of the pie.

But at this critical juncture, we should sign the contract first.

I must have this project.

Harry drew in a deep breath. \”Okay, I agree!\”

\”Verbal promises are not enough. We should go through the formalities immediately,\” Levi said.

\”You…\”

How I wish I can skin him alive! He’s not giving me a chance to think.

\”Fine. I’ll send someone to get it done!\”

…

In just three hours, Harry had completed all the formalities.

Imperial Meadows Limited was completely separated from Lopez Group and became Zoey’s company.

\”Okay, we’ll go and sign the contract now!\”

Levi brought Zoey to the bidding site and successfully signed the contract with Orlando.

So I’m in charge of a major project of one billion?

From bankruptcy to taking on such a huge project…

Zoey didn’t dare to think too much about it.

With the contract signed, Harry and the others were overwhelmed with mixed feelings.

\”Isn’t Levi being too ruthless? He’s burning all our bridges,\” Henry said.

\”The nerve of him! Can Zoey even handle this project alone? Can she even sign this contract if it wasn’t for the Lopez family?\”

\”Yeah, she’s monopolizing everything. I refuse to accept this!\”

Shaun, Melanie and the others were upset.

\”Don’t worry, you guys,\” Fabian chuckled. \”We can still get this project! Even if Imperial Meadows Limited has become independent, Dad still owns thirty percent of their shares. Besides, developing a one billion project is not something anyone can pull off. Every bit of human and financial resources is indispensable. It’s impossible for a small company like Imperial Meadows to handle this alone.\”

\”Yeah, Imperial Meadows Limited is almost bankrupt now, and they still owe Grandpa money,\” Shaun said. \”Where will they get the funds to work on this project?\”

\”Well, there’s no need to consider Levi; he’s just a piece of trash, and Zoey has no connections of sorts in North Hampton. They’ll have to beg us to invest in them when the time comes.\”

\”Hahaha…\”

Henry smirked. \”Dad, I think we should impose a little pressure on them and get back the 2.8 million first!\”

Harry laughed heartily. \”You’re the worst, Henry. But that should do it! Shaun, go over in a moment and ask for our money!\”

…

Aaron and Caitlyn had been informed.

They were so excited that they specially prepared a meal and waited for Levi and Zoey to come back.

However, Zoey looked glum despite signing a big contract.

\”Mom, Dad, we’ve completely offended Grandpa this time! I bet they’re going to hate us for life.\”

\”Just ignore them! Our status has been the lowest in the family all this while and your Grandpa doesn’t even care about us! This time, we must make a name for ourselves and prove it to him!\” Aaron said.

\”Yes, I must work hard!\”

\”Levi,\” Aaron said. \”Although you contributed nothing to this incident, our family seems to be doing well after you come back. Come, let’s have a drink!\”

Just as Aaron brought out a bottle of fine wine, Shaun arrived.

\”Grandpa sent me here, Uncle Aaron! This is an IOU. Please return the 2.8 million that you owe us.\”

Shaun’s statement hit Aaron and his family like a thunderbolt.

\”Grandpa said that he’s going to make an appointment with a foreign specialist to seek medical advice, and he has no money now, so he can only ask you guys to pay him back,\” Shaun added. \”It’s a little urgent, so you must settle your debt in three days. Otherwise, Grandpa’s health will only deteriorate!\”

Shaun left after he gave them the distressing news.

\”What’s wrong?\” Levi asked.

Zoey bit the bottom of her lips and said, \”We’re doomed. There’s no money, not at the company nor at home! The company has just started operating again, and we don’t even have half a million in our account. As for the family, we almost couldn’t afford to pay my brother’s tuition fee.\”

Zoey had a younger brother who was studying abroad and was still relying on the family for financial support.

\”I knew it,\” Aaron sighed. \”Dad wouldn’t have let us off that easily. I knew he would drive us into a corner until we pay him back.\”

Zoey’s face was drained of all color and animation. \”It’s not just about paying them back, we also need funds for the development project. We don’t even have the initial funds to start the project. Investment is needed, but it’s difficult. The project may be shelved when the time comes and the other party might even terminate the contract!\”

\”You don’t say! We’ve been warned by the bank and we can’t even borrow a single cent now.\”

Aaron was on the verge of tears.

After all that talking, it all boiled down to this—money!

They could have solved everything if they had the money, but a man without a penny was no man at all.

Besides, it wasn’t just a matter of a penny now, but 2.8 million!

\”I’ve seen this coming,\” Aaron continued. \”Your Grandpa is tricking us into giving them this project by forcing us to borrow money from them and have them invest in us.\”

\”If there’s no other way, let’s just give it up and give it to Grandpa,\” Zoey said helplessly. \”Now that Imperial Meadows Limited is in our hands, let’s take it one step at a time!\”

\”Why should you give it up?\” Levi spoke. \”2.8 million is not a problem! Just leave it to me!\”

Back home, Aaron and Caitlyn looked at Levi incredulously. \”You were right. Dad really came to invite Zoey in person.\”

\”Dad, it seems you’ve lost this bet,\” Levi said, smiling.

\”But how could this project fall into our hands? There are so many stronger companies out there. Why would they choose us?\” Aaron pondered out loud.

\”Yeah, why did they insist on having me sign the contract?\” Zoey blinked, waiting for Levi’s explanation.

She couldn’t help but think that Levi was behind all this. It was as if every word he said would come true.

\”Don’t you guys remember what Azure Dragon said at the banquet that night?\” Levi asked.

\”I get it now!\” Aaron said immediately. \”It was all Azure Dragon’s intentions! A big shot sure does honor his promises! I mean, who else do you guys think could order Mr. Jennings around?\”

Zoey smiled bashfully. \”I thought Azure Dragon was just making a casual remark.\”

\”The words of a big shot must be fulfilled!\” Levi beamed.

\”Gosh, my family is about to go through the roof once we take over this project! Cook your best dish, Caitlyn. It’s a celebration,\” Aaron said.

Perhaps it was because of their good mood, Levi looked much more pleasing to the couple’s eyes.

\”Don’t worry about finding a job, Levi,\” Zoey said. \”Just stay with me.\”

\”Sure. I’ll make sure to assist you well.\”

Three days later, Levi and Zoey suited up, ready to go over and sign the contract.

\”Levi, I think I should give Grandpa a heads-up. They’re very concerned about this after all,\” Zoey said.

\”I don’t think that’s necessary. This is none of their business, anyway,\” Levi said.

\”Still, I think I should give them a call.\”

Zoey dialed Harry’s number.

\”What’s the matter, Zoey?\”

\”Grandpa, I’m just giving you a heads-up that we’re going to sign the contract now.\”

\”Oh, that, your sister and Samuel are already on their way there, so you don’t have to go. Don’t worry. They’re going to sign on your behalf! Just leave this matter alone and go to work at Imperial Meadows in peace,\” Harry said, hanging up soon after.

Zoey was so startled that she almost dropped her phone.

\”What is it?\”

\”Grandpa said that this matter has nothing to do with me and someone has already gone to sign the contract on my behalf,\” Zoey sniveled.

Levi’s blood boiled upon hearing that.

The Lopez family is just as shameless as the Garrison family!

\”Don’t worry. No one can take away what belongs to you,\” Levi said in a low voice.

He turned around and drafted a message, sending it directly to the leader of the Ministry of Construction.

Meanwhile, a dozen of entrepreneurs had gathered at the bidding site, waiting for the announcements of the result.

Ultimately, it was Carlos Wayland, the deputy leader of the Ministry of Construction, who made the announcement.

\”I hereby announce that the West City Ecological Park project will be developed by Imperial Meadows Limited of Lopez Group!\”

The audience burst into an uproar at Carlos’ announcement.

No one could understand the logic behind Imperial Meadows’ victory.

Samuel, Melanie, and the others who went as representatives of Imperial Meadows rose to their feet and accepted the congratulations from the people around them.

\”May we have the representative of Imperial Meadows Limited come to the backstage to sign the contract?\”

The person who was ultimately responsible for the signing of the contract was still Orlando Jennings.

The deputy team leader only came to announce the result.

\”Hmm? Where’s Ms. Zoey?\”

Orlando looked up at the few of them with disgust in his eyes.

\”It’s a pleasure to meet you again, Mr. Jennings,\” Samuel greeted. \”Zoey currently has too much on her plate, so she has sent us to sign the contract on her behalf instead.\”

\”Besides, the result of the bidding has been made and we’re set on taking on the project. What’s the difference between who should sign and who shouldn’t, Mr. Jennings?\” Melanie chipped in.

\”Oh, there’s a huge difference, my friend,\” Orlando snickered. \”Let me ask you a question, for example, if you’re here on behalf of Ms. Zoey to sign the contract, will you be signing her name or someone else’s name?\”

\”I…\” Melanie was stumped.

Surely, they weren’t intending to sign Zoey’s name, but Harry’s.

Wouldn’t Zoey become the sole possessor of the project if they signed her name?

\”By the way, Mr. Jennings,\” Shaun added. \”You may not be aware of this, although the Lopez Group has many subsidiaries, the president is Mr. Harry Lopez, who has absolute control of all companies. This time the contract will be signed under Mr. Harry’s name, and Zoey has also agreed to this.\”

Orlando shook his head. \”That won’t do! We’ve appointed Zoey Lopez to oversee this project. I don’t know who’s this Harry Lopez that you speak of. But since you people have said so, I’ll give Ms. Zoey a call. If she agrees, I’ll approve it on my side as well.\”

The trio became flustered at once, knowing that Zoey had been kept in the dark and never agreed to this.

\”Ms. Zoey, may I ask if you consented for someone else to sign the contract on your behalf and with Mr. Harry’s name at that?\” Orlando asked straightforwardly once the call connected.

Upon hearing that, it dawned on Zoey that the project would have nothing to do with her from now on if she gave her consent, and if she didn’t, she supposed her grandfather would hate her for life. It was a decision she had to make between interests and her grandfather.

\”I… I a…\”

Zoey hesitated for a long time and was about to agree when Levi seized her phone.

\”No! They didn’t even call! What’s going on? Worse comes to worst, we’ll just give up on this project. Just give it to whoever wants it,\” Levi said.

Hanging up, Orlando gave Samuel and his companions a death stare, his face gloomy.

Realizing the graveness of this matter, they lowered their heads and dared not look at Orlando.

\”I’d made myself very clear, didn’t I? This project has to be accomplished by Ms. Zoey from beginning to the end! No one else can replace her! If you insist on this, I can only replace someone else! There are so many people who can handle this project.\”

\”Listen, if you want this project, get Ms. Zoey to come and sign the contract now! Otherwise, we’ll take it as you’ve forfeited!\”

Hearing Orlando’s words, the three of them ran like the wind.

\”What? It has to be Zoey? I thought anyone could sign the contract!\”

Harry was flabbergasted when he learned about it.

\”Dad, what should we do now?\” Henry asked. \”Do we really have to let Zoey take over this project?\”

\”There’s no other way. But even after Zoey takes over, most of the profits will still be in our hands. Zoey is still obedient to me; we’ll just give them a little something when the time comes. After all, her small Imperial Meadows Limited can’t afford to work on this project by themselves. They’ll need our help,\” Harry said.

\”But Grandpa, how are we going to get Zoey to sign the contract? This has happened for the second time now,\” someone asked.

\”Hmph, I’ll go pick her up myself,\” Harry sneered. \”I won’t take no for an answer. Give her a call first!\”

After the call went through, it was Levi who answered. \”Huh? You guys don’t have to come. We’re busy.\”

At that, Levi hung up directly.

This time, not only Shaun but Samuel and Melanie also followed.

\”What are you guys doing here?\”

Aaron was furious to see the three of them, but he didn’t expect them to be so polite.

\”Uncle Aaron, Aunt Caitlyn, where’s Zoey?\”

They were carrying all kinds of gift boxes in their hands, which made Aaron and Caitlyn even more puzzled.

\”Zoey? She’s not at home,\” Caitlyn said.

Melanie grinned. \”Where did she go, Aunt Caitlyn?\”

Caitlyn shook her head. \”No idea. She went out with Levi early in the morning.\”

\”Oh, okay, Uncle Aaron, Aunt Caitlyn. Please give us a call when Zoey comes back. We’ll be off then.\”

Aaron and Caitlyn were all the more bewildered when the three of them left.

\”What are they up to? Even giving us gifts? Are they sucking up to us?\”

\”Don’t tell me that Levi’s words actually came true?\” Caitlyn mused. \”It seems that I’m unable to see through him anymore.\”

At this time, Levi and Zoey were wandering about aimlessly at their alma mater.

At Levi’s suggestion, Zoey had turned off her phone.

It was already evening when Samuel and the others exited the Lopez residence.

They didn’t go far. In fact, they were waiting in front of Zoey’s neighborhood.

After waiting for three hours, Levi and Zoey had yet to return.

Harry had also checked in on them several times.

\”Where the hell is she? Call Zoey now!\”

Samuel grew impatient as he smoked one cigarette after another.

Right that instant, Melanie dialed Zoey’s number.

\”The number you have dialed is currently unavailable…\”

Her expression stiffened upon hearing the automated message.

\”She turned off her phone…\”

\”What? Is she doing this on purpose?\” Samuel spat with sudden fury.

Shaun also tried to call, and sure enough, her phone was off.

\”But Zoey doesn’t know what’s going on. Isn’t this too much of a coincidence? Why did she turn off her phone?\” Melanie said in surprise.

\”Oh yeah, who knows Levi’s number? He’s with Zoey right now,\” Samuel asked.

\”I don’t.\”

\”Let me ask Uncle Aaron and Aunt Caitlyn.\”

After asking, Melanie shook her head in dismay. \”He just came back the day before yesterday, so they don’t know his number too.\”

\”F**k!\”

Samuel lost his temper.

Right then, Harry called to inquire again.

Samuel passed the phone directly to Melanie.

\”We don’t know where Zoey is, Grandpa. They left home early in the morning. Her phone has been switched off, and no one knows Levi’s number. Even Uncle Aaron and Aunt Caitlyn have no clue.\”

Hearing this, Harry was more anxious than anyone else.

The Lopez family’s social status would increase tenfold if we secured this project.

\”Then keep searching! I want this settled by tomorrow morning!\”

Harry mobilized every connection of the Lopez family to look for Zoey and Levi in North Hampton, including Zoey’s classmates, friends, and colleagues.

However, Zoey’s whereabouts were not known at all.

\”Do you guys think Zoey has left North Hampton?\” someone said.

Harry was so frightened that he almost had a heart attack.

He glared at Henry and huffed. \”You wastrel! It’s all your fault for coming up with that stupid idea! Why did we fire them and took back their company? Just how much will we lose if we can’t find Zoey by tomorrow? More than a billion?\”

Henry’s heart lurched. \”Dad, I didn’t know things will turn out like this. Who could have ever thought that Zoey is the key! Why did the Ministry of Construction set their minds on Zoey in the first place?\”

\”Hurry up and find her! If you can’t find her by eight tomorrow morning, I’ll take back your company as well! You and your family won’t get a single cent!\”

\”Dad, I’ll get to it right away!\”

Henry almost wet his pants upon hearing his father’s threat.

\”What are you guys still doing here?\” Harry glared at Fabian and the rest. \”Get searching! Unless you want to see a billion goes down the drain!\”

\”We’re on it!\”

That night, the entire Lopez family didn’t rest and had been looking high and low for Levi and Zoey.

By this time, the both of them had long since gone to bed at a hotel.

Zoey was so exhausted from walking all day that she fell asleep right away without even turning on her phone.

Everyone had been calling and searching for Zoey all night, but to no avail.

It was almost dawn, and Harry’s heart could barely take it anymore.

\”If we missed out on this project, I’m taking three times more of each family’s dividends this year! And Henry, I’ll be taking back your company. Do whatever you want, you incompetent punks!\” Harry chided, slamming the table.

Henry paled and said in a low voice, \”Dad, maybe they went out to play, and their phones died. They’ll turn it back on once it’s charged.\”

\”You think I’m a child? This wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for you!\”

Saying that, Harry gave Henry a tight slap.

\”Okay, it’s almost seven now. They should have charged and turned on their phones by now, yes? Try calling them now!\”

Henry trembled as he dialed Zoey’s number, and to his surprise, the call went through.

\”Hey, are you crazy for calling at this hour?\”

It was Levi who answered the phone.

Everyone was astounded and ecstatically happy at this moment.

\”Levi, it’s me, Uncle Henry!\” Henry said immediately.

\”Oh, Henry. Why did you call? Are you insane?\”

Henry was about to explode when he heard that, but he kept his cool. \”Levi, where’s Zoey? Put her on the line. I have something important to tell her.\”

\”She’s still sleeping. Just tell me if there’s anything important,\” Levi rejected directly.

Henry tittered nervously. \”Levi, it was a mistake to take back Imperial Meadows and fire Zoey. We decided to recall Zoey and let her take over Imperial Meadows Limited again. Come to the Lopez family mansion with Zoey now. Your Grandpa is asking for the both of you!\”

\”Oh? Reinstatement, eh? No thanks. Zoey has got a new job,\” Levi said before hanging up immediately.

\”I’m going to kill this bastard!\” Henry exploded.

\”You idiot! Call them again and asked for their whereabouts!\”

Harry gave Henry another slap.

\”Okay, okay.\”

Henry called again. \”Levi, I know we’re in the wrong! This was a mistake on our end. I swear there will be no next time. Give me your address, and I’ll go pick you guys up, okay?\”

\”What do you think you’re doing? Do you think you can just fire and reinstate someone as you please? Zoey is not a tool for you to mess around with!\” Levi snapped.

\”You guys can ask for anything as long as Zoey comes back,\” Henry said promptly. \”Salary is not a problem!\”

\”Fine, this is what’s going to happen. You want Zoey back? Sure, but whoever fired her in the first place shall be the one to invite her back!\”

\”It was me! I’ll be the one to invite her back!\” Henry said.

\”No, you don’t have the right to do that. It was Harry who fired her. Get Harry to come in person! Otherwise, Zoey is never going back!\”

Levi was adamant.

Rage nearly consumed Harry when he heard this.

\”What? You want me to invite that lass back in person? Are you courting death, Levi?\”

At this moment, he could feel nothing but humiliation.

In actual fact, Zoey had been awake for a long time now, but she didn’t make a sound.

She looked at Levi wonderingly.

He was right.

The Lopez family really wants me back.

But why?

Zoey’s heart leaped into her throat when she heard Levi requesting Harry to come pick her up in person.

Harry had always been high and mighty. Never in a million years would he accept Levi’s proposal. Levi was just provoking him by having him personally invite her back.

\”Fine. Forget it if Harry refuses to come! Bye!\”

Levi hung up.

\”Are you crazy?\” Zoey nudged him. \”How could you ask Grandpa to come and get me? I say we go back on our own and forget about everything. There seems to be something very serious going on based on their tone.\”

\”Don’t. Just wait. Three, two, one…\”

Sure enough, Zoey’s phone rang as soon as Levi finished counting down.

\”Dad has agreed to go pick you guys up,\” Henry’s helpless voice sounded. \”Now give me your address!\”

\”University City’s Borrman Hotel!\”

\”And your room number?\”

\”You don’t need to know that. We’ll go down on our own when Harry arrives,\” Levi said.

This was to prevent Harry from not coming.

\”Huh? Is Grandpa really coming?\”

Having been living in Harry’s shadows since she was a child, Zoey was frightened down to the soles of her shoes.

\”What are you nervous for? He’s here to invite you back,\” Levi said with a smile on his face.

Zoey was so terrified that she had forgotten Levi’s predictions from before—Harry will invite you back in person.

About half an hour later, a Mercedes Benz came to a halt in front of the hotel with Harry appearing in their line of sight.

\”Come on. Let’s go down.\”

Zoey was still trembling as she grabbed Levi’s arm, not letting go.

When Harry saw Zoey, he subconsciously yelled, \”Zoey, you… Oh, get in the car! Grandpa has something important to discuss with you!\”

Zoey was dumbfounded to see the pleasant smile on Harry’s face.

When did Grandpa ever smile at me?

In the car, Harry started, \”I’ll get down to business, okay, Zoey? Haven’t you been working on West City Ecological Park development project before this? Well, now’s your chance. Mr. Jennings from the Ministry of Construction asked for you to submit the proposal and elaborate the plans to them.\”

\”You must do your best! I believe you can do this!\”

And so, a few minutes before eight, a confused Zoey and Levi arrived at the office building responsible for this project.

\”Ms. Lopez, you’re here,\” Orlando greeted, shooting up to his feet and went up to welcome them. \”Would Ms. Lopez and this gentleman like tea or coffee?\”

\”Tea for me and coffee for her,\” Levi said curtly as he sat down graciously.

Zoey, however, was completely dumbstruck.

He’s Mr. Jennings! The person in charge of management for the Ministry of Construction!

Even Joseph Garrison has to bow down to him when he sees him.

Why is he so courteous to me?

\”Did you hear that? Now go and make the arrangements,\” Orlando said to his secretary.

\”Ms. Lopez, please, have a seat,\” Orlando said respectfully to Zoey.

\”Come on. Sit,\” Levi said, seeing that she was transfixed, he pulled Zoey to sit beside him.

Soon, the coffee and tea were served.

Zoey lifted her cup with both hands, still shaking while Levi crossed his legs, flaunting the bearing of a tyrant.

Orlando stood before them like a server, reverent and respectful.

He didn’t even dare to glimpse at Levi.

He’s that legendary man!

Taking in a deep breath, Zoey stood up and handed over the proposal. \”M-Mr. Jennings, I’m Zoey Lopez. Nice to meet you. This is my proposal! Please have a look!\”

Orlando chuckled. \”Your ability speaks for itself, Ms. Lopez. We can leave the proposal aside. You have our full confidence.\”

Cough…

When Orlando’s eyes met Levi’s terrifying ones, he quickly took over the proposal and studied it with a few other project leaders, with Zoey explaining at the side.

About half an hour later, Orlando got up and said with a smile, \”We were right about you, Ms. Lopez! It’s perfect! The plan is ninety-five out of a hundred! After revising some details from our end, it’s perfect now.\”

\”Does that mean we got the job?\” Levi asked.

Orlando nodded. \”We received thirty-three bidding documents from the preliminary selection, and so far Ms. Lopez has the highest score! We have inspected Imperial Meadows Limited and Lopez Group’s capabilities before this, and you guys are basically qualified to take on this project! Now we just have to go with the flow and sign the contract three days later.\”

Zoey knew it was all cut and dried!

Levi got up, pulled Zoey away and said passingly, \”Thank you…\”

\”What? No, no. This is what we should do!\”

Hearing Levi’s words of gratitude, Orlando was so scared that he almost got down on his knees.

Even after coming outside, Zoey still felt as if she was dreaming.

\”Zoey, how was it?\” Harry and a dozen others gathered around her.

\”Grandpa, we passed the preliminary selection and my score was the highest, ninety-five! Mr. Jennings asked me to drop by three days later to sign the contract. I… We will be responsible for the development of this project. But they are still going through the process, so we have to keep it a secret!\”

Zoey originally wanted to say that she would work on this project on her own, but seeing Harry, she instinctively changed her tone.

\”Very good! I’m so proud of you, Zoey! You’re the Lopez family’s hero!\”

Harry was excited, and so were the others.

After all, it was a major project of one billion.

For as long as Zoey could remember, Harry had only complimented her twice.

The first time was when she married Levi, an upstart six years ago.

And the compliment this time felt surreal to her.

\”Zoey, are you sure we’re getting this project and all we have to do is sign the contract three days later?\” Harry asked again, still feeling a little unsettled.

Zoey nodded. \”Yes, Grandpa. I’m sure!\”

\”Okay, that’s a load off my mind!\”

Harry heaved a sigh of relief.

Thereafter, Levi, Zoey, and the Lopez family dispersed and returned home, respectively.

\”That was so unexpected, Dad!\” Henry chortled. \”We really got the job! I’ve asked my friend to ask Mr. Jennings’ secretary about it, and it’s true!\”

Harry’s face was glowing. \”Yes, it’s a great joy for the Lopez family.\”

\”Grandpa,\” Samuel said, after hesitating for a long time. \”Are you really going to give Zoey full authority to handle this project? I’m afraid that with Levi’s wild ambition, this project will have nothing to do with us when the time comes.\”

Harry laughed. \”Oh, Samuel, I’ve thought about that! Didn’t you hear me just now? Now that the project is ours and all we need is to sign the contract three days later, Zoey has no more use-value for us. Besides, can her small Imperial Meadows Limited develop a project of one billion?\”

\”So, you guys will go and sign the contract three days later! I only gave Zoey a nominal position. I don’t intend on having her take part in the development of this project.\”

Samuel laughed sinisterly. \”That’s a sick move, Grandpa!\”

That night, Zoey barely slept a wink.

\”Don’t dwell on it too much and go to sleep,\” Levi comforted. \”Harry will come to you in person and ask you to go back to support the business.\”

Zoey glared at him. \”You think Grandpa will come to me in person? Please, I would thank the heavens if Dad and I can get our jobs back.\”

\”Don’t worry. I meant what I said. Harry will ask you to go back!\”

Levi turned around, went to the balcony, and made a call. \”Azure Dragon, put Nielsen on the line…\”

The next morning, Harry woke up to a call from the Ministry of Construction, inviting the Lopez family to attend the bidding for the ecological park development project.

It was a pleasant surprise, as Harry didn’t expect to have the chance to take part in the bidding given their qualifications.

Harry quickly gathered the Lopez family in the living room. \”I heard before that someone is preparing to take part in the bidding. Who was it again?\”

\”Dad, it’s Zoey!\” Henry answered instantly. \”She’d drafted a detailed proposal. But how could she take part in the bidding with her family’s ability?\”

Harry stroked his chin. \”So you’re saying Zoey has a detailed proposal, and we can take part in the bidding with that proposal?\”

\”Yeah! Zoey is still competent!\”

\”Where’s Shaun? Hurry over to Aaron’s and get that proposal! Who would have thought that this bunch of trash would still be useful!\”

…

In the meantime, Levi, Zoey, and her parents were having breakfast in silence when a knock was heard on the door.

To their surprise, it was Shaun.

Shaun appraised the house with a glance. \”You guys are living here in this dumpster? Is this even a hundred and fifty square meters?\”

\”What are you doing here?\” Aaron asked, clearly displeased at him interrupting their peaceful morning.

\”I’m here to get the proposal for the ecological park development project. The Ministry of Construction has informed us that we are going to take part in the bidding,\” Shaun said.

\”No way!\” Zoey turned him down flat. \”I drafted this proposal myself. Do it yourself if you’re going to bid for this project. This has nothing to do with me. Besides, I was fired.\”

Shaun glowered at her. \”Fine. I’ll let Grandpa talk to you!\”

At that, he handed his mobile phone to Zoey.

\”What’s going on with you, Zoey? Aren’t you going to hand over the proposal? Do you not acknowledge me as your Grandpa?\” Harry’s angry voice echoed as soon as Zoey answered the phone.

Zoey welled up in tears. \”You fired me, Grandpa. What do you need my proposal for? I won’t yield!\”

\”Hmph, what do you mean? If you don’t hand over the proposal, the Lopez family will break off all relations with you lot today!\”

Zoey was all tears upon hearing that.

Levi rose to his feet. He rummaged for the proposal and handed it over to Shaun before consoling Zoey.

\”Now, that’s more like it.\”

Shaun looked at this family with ridicule written all over his face.

Meanwhile, Zoey and her parents looked disappointed when they saw Levi handed over the proposal.

Isn’t that a cowardly move?

What’s the use of having such a husband?

\”Why did you give him the proposal?\” Zoey questioned.

\”Listen to me. Harry will definitely ask you to go back,\” Levi asserted. \”We need to go somewhere today.\”

\”How can I trust you like this?\” Zoey raised her voice.

\”You guys shall get a divorce if Dad remains silent!\” Aaron added crossly.

\”Deal!\” Levi agreed.

On the other side, after securing the proposal, Samuel and Melanie were entrusted with the important task of taking over Zoey’s company, Imperial Meadows Limited.

Thereafter, they headed straight to the office building responsible for the ecological park project, where there was already a long queue when they arrived.

Thinking that all the Lopez family’s property would belong to him in the future, Samuel’s breathing hastened.

After waiting for one hour, it was finally Samuel’s turn.

Samuel was about to give a long-winded introduction of himself as soon as he entered the office with Melanie when the person sitting at the opposite piped up, \”The Lopez family?\”

\”Yes, that’s right!\” Samuel answered quickly in a dazed.

Melanie immediately handed over a stack of papers. \”This is our project proposal! Please have a look!\”

North Hampton Ministry of Construction was responsible for the approval and decision of this project. The person in charge on-site was Orlando Jennings, the leader of the Ministry of Construction management.

\”Why didn’t Ms. Zoey or Mr. Aaron come?\” Orlando asked straightforwardly, putting the Lopez family’s proposal under his hands.

\”I beg your pardon?\”

The question stunned both Samuel and Melanie.

\”Allow me to introduce myself, Mr. Jennings. My name is Samuel, Samuel Robertson. I’m the key person in charge of this project of Lopez Group. As for Zoey and Aaron, they have been fired from Lopez Group. May I know why are you asking for them, Mr. Jennings?\” Samuel asked curiously.

Hearing that, Orlando nodded with relief. \”Oh, is that so? Alright then. You may leave now. The Lopez family is hereby disqualified from participating in the bidding for this development project.\”

With that, Orlando pushed the proposal to the front, leaving Samuel and Melanie slack-jawed.

\”M-Mr. Jennings, what do you mean?\” Samuel faltered.

\”Are you saying that this has something to do with Zoey, Mr. Jennings?\” Melanie asked.

\”Yes, that’s right. After inspections by the leaders, they have discovered that Lopez Group is a very suitable candidate for this project, especially Ms. Zoey’s Imperial Meadows Limited. Hence, it was decided tentatively to have Lopez Group’s Imperial Meadows Limited take on this project. But since Ms. Zoey has been fired, the Lopez family has no business in this matter any longer. We’ll have to choose again,\” Orlando explained patiently.

Though it was said to be a preliminary tentative decision, the final decision had been made, and everyone knew what it meant.

\”Mr. Jennings, Zoey may have been fired, but we took over Imperial Meadows Limited. You’re right to choose us. These are some documents regarding the takeover,\” Samuel said, handing over a pile of documents excitedly. \”Imperial Meadows is our responsibility, Mr. Jennings!\”

Unexpectedly, Orlando slapped his hand away, scattering the documents all over the place.

\”Scram! Don’t you understand a word that comes out of my mouth? I want Ms. Zoey to present me with her proposal. No one else from the Lopez family can replace her! We want to authorize this project to Ms. Zoey and Ms. Zoey only! Do you understand?\” Orlando said, pointing at Samuel’s nose.

\”Why does it have to be Zoey, Mr. Jennings?\” Melanie asked sheepishly. \”I’m Melanie Lopez, Zoey’s sister. I’ve studied abroad, and I’m much more capable than Zoey in many aspects. I can handle this project just as well, Mr. Jennings!\”

Samuel nodded. \”Yeah, Melanie is capable! So much more capable than Zoey!\”

\”Leave now!\” Orlando threw the proposal on the table to the ground. \”I’m telling you, unless Ms. Zoey comes in person tomorrow at eight o’clock sharp, the Lopez family will not have the qualification to compete in this project, and I will strike the Lopez family’s name off the list!\”

\”Get out now before I call the security!\”

Orlando’s secretary pushed and shoved them out.

It was only then they realized the reason the project was designated to the Lopez family was not because of the Lopez family’s strength but because of Zoey.

\”What did the little b***h, Zoey did to be given such a huge project?\” Melanie was surprised.

\”No wonder the Ministry of Construction called and invited the Lopez family to take part in the bidding! It’s because of Zoey,\” Samuel stated the obvious.

As soon as they returned to the Lopez residence, Harry asked, \”Samuel, how was it? Did we pass the preliminary selection?\”

Samuel wore a gloomy expression. \”Melanie, tell Grandpa!\”

Melanie told the facts just as they had happened.

\”What? It has to be Zoey?\” Harry was astounded.

\”Yeah, Mr. Jennings has hinted that this project will be assigned to Imperial Meadows Limited, but it has to be Zoey to seal the deal! We almost offended them,\” Samuel said.

Thereafter, Harry sent Henry and Fabian to negotiate, but both of them were kicked out as well.

After thinking about it, Harry finally said, \”Then go look for Zoey now! Restore her position and secure this project first!\”

\”Please hurry, Grandpa,\” Samuel urged. \”If they don’t see Zoey at eight tomorrow, they’ll give this project to someone else.\”

\”Did you guys see that? They came empty-handed.\”

\”Do they not know the rules? Or do they not respect the God of War at all?\”

\”I don’t think I’ve seen them before. Who are they? Did they sneak in?\”

…

Soon, everyone noticed Aaron and his family.

Hearing the various mutterings, Aaron wished the ground would swallow him up.

This is too embarrassing.

It differed from being humiliated in front of someone familiar.

First of all, they didn’t have any sense of presence in this place. And second of all, they were just nobodies among the many big shots.

It was a kind of psychological humiliation.

Not long after, the room was in turmoil.

Everyone had shifted their gaze to a few men walking in, dressed in military uniform.

The leader of the group was a bona fide King of War, who carried one star on his shoulder.

His imposing aura had everyone speechless.

\”A quick introduction. I served at the Eastern War Zone, code-named Azure Dragon. I’m the God of War’s right-hand man!\”

Azure Dragon scanned the area domineeringly.

Aaron and his family shuddered in fear when they saw this scene.

\”Man, this God of War is too scary! Even his right-hand man is the King of War!\”

\”Indeed! The God of War is Erudia’s first war God with five stars!\”

Caitlyn was so anxious that she was about to cry. \”We should have at least brought something. What will happen to us if he thinks we are disrespecting him?\”

\”Azure Dragon, may I ask when is the God of War arriving?\” Jesse asked.

Azure Dragon smiled. \”Truth be told, the God of War is already in our midst right now. He tends to keep a low profile and hardly ever attends such events. It’s beyond my expectation that he actually came.\”

His words brought on a storm as people looked around frantically in search of this man.

\”Stop searching,\” Azure Dragon said sternly. \”But keep in mind that the God of War has your every word and action in check. I will act as the mediator today. You can find me if there’s anything you need.\”

\”Well, isn’t this a hint?\” Aaron whispered upon hearing this.

And the rest seemed to have understood his meaning as well.

\”North Hampton Winston Gonzales presents the God of War with a pair of Legendary Pearl!\”

\”North Hampton Evergreen Chamber of Commerce presents the God of War with a two-hundred-year-old wild ginseng!\”

\”North Hampton Apocalypse Club presents the God of War with a McLaren P1!\”

…

Everyone at the venue rushed to the front to present their extravagant gifts, in which mansions were also on the list.

Seeing them presenting their gifts one after another, Aaron and Caitlyn bowed their heads in utter embarrassment.

Even Zoey wanted to make a run for the exit.

On the stage, Azure Dragon looked at the mountain of gifts piled up before him. His expression turning colder by the minute.

\”What do you mean by doing this?\”

Azure Dragon’s voice shocked the audience.

Even Jesse, the governor of North Hampton, held his tongue.

Everyone looked at Azure Dragon, not quite understanding what he meant.

\”Are you insulting the God of War?\”

\”No, no. Absolutely not.\”

Azure Dragon’s words scared the life out of everyone.

\”Mark my words! This is what the God of War hates the most! Don’t use your tricks on the God of War! By doing so, you’re only looking down on him!\” Azure Dragon reproached, and everyone understood at once.

Is the God of War short of money?

Not at all!

The God of War has unparalleled wealth and power!

\”Please hold your anger, Azure Dragon! We were in the wrong!\”

Azure Dragon glanced at the crowd. \”Did anyone not give a gift just now?\”

Everyone looked at each other and found that there was no one who didn’t present their gifts.

\”Dad, raise your hand! This is your chance!\” Levi reminded.

Zoey and her parents had been listening. They were relieved to hear that the other party didn’t like receiving gifts. Even so, they weren’t audacious enough to raise their hands.

\”Zoey, raise your hand if you trust me. It’s definitely a good thing!\”

Zoey raised her hand, and everyone looked over.

Azure Dragon fixed his eyes on Zoey. \”Good, very good! Your attitude is right to come empty-handed! That shows your respect for the God of War! Good job!\”

Hearing the King of War’s compliments, Zoey and her parents stood up subconsciously, overwhelmed by the flattery and honor.

\”What’s your name?\” Azure Dragon asked.

\”Nice to meet you, Azure Dragon. My name is Zoey Lopez. This is my father, Aaron…\”

Zoey introduced her family courteously.

\”Very good. I shall remember your names. I will give priority to you and your family for any good things in the future!\” Azure Dragon pledged.

Everyone in the room was amazed, including Jesse.

Zoey and her parents expressed their gratitude in a fluster.

They never dreamed that such a blessing would fall into their laps.

Even at the end of the banquet, they felt like they were floating in the clouds.

\”God, this is all real.\”

Aaron even pocketed a few name cards from big bosses who had expressed their goodwill to him.

\”You’re so lucky, young lady!\” Caitlyn beamed.

Zoey looked at Levi. \”Mom, it’s all thanks to Levi! He expected that the God of War doesn’t like gifts and encouraged me to raise my hand. I wouldn’t have done it if it wasn’t for him!\”

\”Levi has really knocked our socks off tonight!\”

\”Indeed. Do we even have the chance to attend this banquet if it wasn’t for him?\”

Aaron and Caitlyn’s impression of Levi changed for the better.

\”That’s your luck,\” Levi said. \”I just asked a friend to get us a few invitations, that’s all.\”

Right then, Zoey regarded Levi with a rather different look.

It’s as if everything was within his control tonight, as if he’d solved everything with just his words.

Could it be that he has some influential background?

Maybe he’s behind all this today?

But how is it possible? He was imprisoned for six years!

Zoey dismissed that idea soon after.

It had been a long and thrilling night, but fortunately enough, it was a happy ending.

Aaron and Caitlyn felt dizzy with excitement now that they had redeemed and especially proven themselves to the Lopez family.

However, Harry called just then, and it was Aaron who picked up the call.

\”You and Zoey don’t have to go to work from tomorrow onwards!\”

\”What?\”

Harry’s cold and merciless voice sounded from over the phone. \”You guys have disappointed me so much. When will you pay back the 2.8 million you owe me?\”

\”Dad, I…\”

\”Well, since you can’t pay back, I’ll take back the company and get Samuel and Melanie to take over the business. You’re on your own!\” Harry hung up.

Aaron’s phone fell to the ground with a thud.

After learning about what happened, Zoey and Caitlyn sobbed, hugging each other.

\”What’s wrong?\” Levi asked.

\”Grandpa took back the company,\” Zoey sniffed. \”We’re unemployed now.\”

\”Hmph, they’ll regret this!\”

Meanwhile, at the Lopez residence, Fabian asked gingerly after Harry hung up the phone, \”Is it okay for us to do that? Levi doesn’t have any influential background, does he?\”

\”Dad, I’ve already asked around,\” Henry said. \”My friend’s former classmate works at the Municipal Water Conservancy Bureau, and he was there at the banquet. He said that Levi is just a nobody who relied on a friend to get inside. What’s more ridiculous, only their family didn’t bring any gifts. As if that wasn’t embarrassing enough, they even took it seriously when they heard that the God of War didn’t like receiving gifts.\”

Everyone cracked up when they heard what happened.

Harry then let out a cold snort. \”I must take back their company and make them jobless for disgracing me at Paradise Villa!\”

He was simmering with anger because of the incident today.

It was Henry who hatched the plot to have Harry take back the company.

\”That’s right. They’re a bunch of ungrateful buffoons who never treat Grandpa with respect!\” Samuel chimed in. \”I swear I’ll make their life miserable!\”

Harry looked at Samuel, his face full of anticipation. \”The Lopez family depends on you now, Samuel. I don’t think we can make it to West City’s ecological park development project tomorrow, but it’s okay. You have to work harder, Samuel, and get us more projects through your connections.\”

\”Don’t worry, Grandpa,\” Samuel replied.

\”Well, well, look who’s here. If it isn’t Aaron and his criminal son-in-law.\”

Along with the mockeries, Harry and the others had arrived with bags of gifts consisted of fine wine, wild ginseng, tea, and so on in their hands.

The Lopez family’s plan was simple—to butter up the God of War as much as they could.

\”I didn’t expect you to come, Zoey,\” Melanie said as she moved closer to Zoey, her voice laced with sarcasm. \”Where’s your invitation card? Show it to me. It’s easy to purchase counterfeit ones these days.\”

Melanie, Samuel, and the others were not the slightest bit convinced that Levi could get an invitation.

Just look at their status, there’s no way they can get an invitation to the banquet!

It’s like saying pigs could fly!

\”I…\”

Zoey hesitated because there was no invitation card, to begin with.

\”Come on. What are you hiding?\” Melanie laughed. \”Don’t tell me your invitation card is made of gold that I can’t even take a look at it?\”

Zoey clammed up, her head lowered.

\”Aaron, show us your invitation card!\” Harry demanded upon noticing the couple’s odd demeanors.

\”Dad, I…\”

Aaron panicked.

\”What? You won’t obey even your own father’s order? Hurry up and show it to me!\” Harry bellowed.

Aaron panted heavily and could only tell the truth. \”Dad, we don’t have an invitation card… It was Levi who brought us here…\”

Soon after they heard it, Samuel, Melanie, and the others laughed so hard that their belly hurt.

\”You’re such an idiot!\” Harry glared at Aaron. \”What a disgrace to have a son like you!\”

Sensing the mass’ scoffing eyes and ruthless laughter, a fresh swell of rage rose in Aaron as his last piece of dignity left in front of the Lopez family vanished without a trace.

Zoey, too, hated Levi to the core, knowing that they had lost all respect from the Lopez family.

\”How shameless of you to attend the banquet without an invitation!\”

\”Let me tell you a fact. No matter how hard you try, your family can never enter this gate!\” Samuel taunted.

\”Let’s go inside, Grandpa,\” Melanie said as she held onto Harry’s arm. \”Don’t let them get in the way.\”

\”You’re right. Knowing them is such a disgrace.\”

The Lopez family shot daggers at Levi and hurried towards the gate.

Aaron was about to say something when Levi said, \”Dad, look. They won’t be able to get in.\”

Standing at the entrance of Paradise Villa were dozens of security guards who were hired to maintain order at the scene.

Samuel took out twelve invitation cards and handed them over. \”For twelve, please.\”

He said that as he straightened his back, looking proud.

After all, how many were there who could take out twelve invitation cards at once?

But the next second, the security guard said expressionlessly, \”You people are restricted from entering and are banned from attending the banquet!\”

\”What?\”

Samuel and the others thought they had misheard the security guard.

\”That’s impossible! Riley, the secretary from the Office Building, sent us these invitations in person yesterday!\” Harry argued.

Samuel put on a haughty face. \”This is my invitation card. Let me in this instance! You can’t afford to mess with me!\”

Thud!

Suddenly, a truncheon rested on Samuel’s head.

\”Do you not understand human language? You people are restricted from entering! Must I explain to you in action?\”

With the cold truncheon aiming at his head, Samuel was so frightened that he almost peed his pants.

But with so many eyes watching him, he mustered his courage and struck back. \”I dare you to touch me! Don’t you know who I am? Let me speak to your supervisor!\”

Wham!

The security guard knocked him down straight away with the truncheon; Samuel had completely wet his pants, and the Lopez family was all the more petrified.

\”What are you guys waiting for? Scram!\” the security guard barked.

The Lopez family helped Samuel up and made a dash.

\”You were right. They couldn’t get in.\”

Aaron was shocked at the scene that unfolded before him.

At that moment, Levi smiled and held Zoey’s hand. \”We should get inside!\”

\”Don’t! We’re going to get ourselves killed. How are we supposed to get inside when Samuel and the rest can’t even get through the security checkpoint?\” Aaron and Caitlyn said and back-pedaled in fear.

Zoey’s delicate body trembled as well. \”Yeah, can we really get inside? We don’t even have an invitation card!\”

\”Didn’t you say that you’ll give me one last chance? How do you know if you don’t try?\” Levi smiled.

\”Okay, I trust you!\” Zoey held Levi’s hand tightly.

\”Officers!\” Melanie’s voice was heard just as the four of them approached the security checkpoint. \”Although they are members of the Lopez family, my grandfather had long kicked them out of the Lopez family! They are not related to us!\”

\”Yes, officers. They have nothing to do with the Lopez family,\” Harry said in a flustered voice. \”Please don’t take offense at us!\”

Levi looked back and sneered.

Such heartless creatures!

When they arrived at the security checkpoint, Zoey even closed her eyes. To be honest, she’d rather die today than being humiliated.

Aaron and Caitlyn shared the same sentiment.

Harry and the others didn’t leave. They were hiding in a distance, intending to watch Aaron and his family make a fool of themselves.

\”Welcome, Mr. Garrison and his family! You are our most distinguished guest. Invitations are not required!\”

Upon hearing that, Zoey opened her eyes to see dozens of security guards lined up in two rows, saluting them.

As if they had entered fantasyland, Zoey and her parents made their way inside Paradise Villa.

Harry and the others, who were waiting for a good show outside, were completely dumbstruck.

\”They… They went in? How is that possible?\”

Truth be told, Zoey and her parents felt like they were on cloud nine when they saw the Lopez family’s incredulous faces.

Aaron looked around, still in disbelief. \”That was easy. How did you pull that off, Levi?\”

It was only then did they feel that their son-in-law was somewhat useful.

At the very least, they managed to redeem themselves from the humiliation they had suffered.

Caitlyn smiled. \”Levi also had connections in North Hampton before this, no?\”

\”You’re right, Mom. I have friends,\” Levi replied.

Zoey looked at Levi suspiciously. She had a hunch that things were not that simple.

Almost none of his friends stepped forward when he was in trouble.

There were many who put the boot in instead…

Would anyone help him?

In the villa, Zoey and his parents were careful of their every movement.

After all, they couldn’t afford to break anything or offend anyone on such an occasion.

\”Zoey, is that you? What are you doing here? Am I seeing things?\”

Suddenly, a voice of surprise sounded from behind.

Zoey’s eyes were filled with disgust when she saw the incoming person.

The four people that were coming her way were dressed in tuxedos and had the bearing of royalty.

The man in the lead was Derrick Johns, the son of the president of Apex Group.

He had lusted after Zoey for ages, even offering millions to sleep with her, but she remained unmoved.

As an act of revenge, Derrick had caused Zoey’s well-developed company to go bankrupt.

\”Why can’t I be here?\” Zoey said coldly.

Derrick looked Levi up and down. \”Is this your criminal husband? Did he bring you in?\”

Upon that, he leaned in closer to Zoey and gave a lubricious chuckle. \”I don’t care how you guys got in, but with my powers, I can send your husband back to jail again and get him locked up for a decade or two!\”

Zoey believed Derrick could do it, given his expedients and abilities.

\”What do you want?\” Zoey looked at him warily.

\”As long as you promise to keep me company, I swear I won’t trouble him! Otherwise, I’ll definitely send him in again!\”

\”You wish!\”

Zoey would rather die than agree to such a condition.

\”Fine. Just you wait!\”

Derrick grinned insidiously before turning to leave.

Noticing Zoey’s pale complexion, Levi grasped her hand and asked, \”Zoey, what happened? Who’s that guy just now?\”

Zoey shook her head. \”It’s nothing!\”

However, she knew Derrick wouldn’t let this rest, so she was perturbed along the way.

Halfway through, a large group of people suddenly surrounded the four of them.

These people were members of the security team, each pointing at them with a gun.

Zoey was scared out of her wits. Her face drained of all colors as she gripped Levi’s hand tightly.

Likewise, Aaron and Caitlyn were paralyzed in terror, as they knew that it was Derrick’s revenge.

The leader of the group, decked out in combat suits, looked at them with cold and merciless eyes under the protective goggles. \”Mr. Johns, is this the criminal that you were speaking of?\”

\”Yes, Mr. Lewis!\” Derrick replied. \”This guy’s fresh out of prison today. How is he qualified to attend such a banquet? I suspect he has something up his sleeve! If anything crops up on this occasion, can you afford to bear this responsibility, Mr. Lewis?\”

\”What? Is this for real?\”

Ethan Lewis, the deputy team leader of the security team, was responsible for the safety inside. He wasn’t aware of how they had come in.

Derrick flashed a complacent smile at Zoey, then said to Ethan, \”No matter what’s the situation, Mr. Lewis, I suggest we arrest him first! We need to get rid of any possible risks!\”

\”Right! How could he attend this banquet right after he was released from prison? Check their invitations first!\” Ethan said coldly.

Zoey and her parents were dumbfounded.

What invitation cards! There were no invitation cards at all!

\”Hand over the invitations!\” Derrick spoke in an overbearing manner.

\”We don’t have them,\” Levi replied placidly.

\”Haha. Did you hear that, Mr. Lewis? They have no invitations at all! Something is definitely fishy here!\” Derrick was elated to hear that they came without any invitation.

\”Men, arrest them!\” Ethan gave his orders.

At that point, Zoey was already freaking out.

Mom, dad, and I will definitely be fine even if we’re arrested. But Levi will certainly be subjected to Derrick’s manipulation and get sent to jail again.

\”Wait! We came in through the security checkpoint. What makes you think we don’t have the right to be here?\” Zoey said indignantly.

\”That’s impossible!\” Derrick sneered. \”An invitation is compulsory to enter this place! Even the host of today’s banquet, the God of War, needs an invitation! Something is not right if there’s no invitation!\”

\”Yes, that’s a first for me as well,\” Ethan said with certainty, knowing that everyone, including the tycoons, came with invitations today. \”Take them away!\”

Aaron and Caitlyn squeezed their eyes shut in horror.

Zoey, too, was terribly frightened.

\”Accept your fate, Zoey!\” Derrick chortled. \”This is the consequence of rejecting me!\”

\”Whoever told you that one must need an invitation to get in?\” Levi’s voice sounded abruptly.

Everyone halted and stared at him with surprise.

Just then, Zoey tugged on Levi’s sleeves, signaling him to stop talking, while Aaron and his wife looked even more horrified by Levi’s retort.

Is he courting disaster?

Levi merely patted her shoulders. \”Trust me again, will you?\”

\”Okay.\” Zoey nodded.

After that, Levi’s gaze landed on Ethan. \”Call your supervisor and ask him this—can Levi Garrison come in without an invitation?\”

\”Hahaha… Is he retarded? Who does he think he is?\”

Derrick and his companions laughed so hard that their stomach hurt.

But Ethan was angered by Levi’s words, so he did as he was asked. \”Okay, I shall ask the team leader if he knows you.\”

Standing beside them, Derrick laughed heartily and was happy to see Levi make a fool of himself.

By then, many people had gathered around at the commotion, causing Zoey and her parents to lower their heads in embarrassment.

This is an embarrassment!

Ethan consulted Clement Phillips, the security team leader, through his headset.

When the voice came through the headset, his complexion turned for the worst. His eyes were filled with fear and trepidation as he looked at Levi.

\”I-I… I got it, S-Sir…\” Ethan stammered as he struggled to make out his words.

Derrick, who was unaware of the situation, looked at Ethan with anticipation. \”How is it? Mr. Lewis?\”

Slap!

The answer he got in return was an unexpected hard slap on the cheek that sent him flying seven to eight meters away. His mouth was full of blood, and he even lost a few teeth.

\”Mr. Lewis, w-why?\”

Derrick’s eyes widened as he stuttered.

Ethan stepped forward and threw another punch, causing blood to spurt from Derrick’s wounds.

\”Why? You abused your power and deliberately made things difficult for Ms. Lopez! They may not have an invitation, but they are our honored guests who came in through proper means! But you! You had disrupted the order and dampened the mood of the banquet! Men, arrest him and lock him up for a few days!\” Ethan ordered.

The two security guards next to him stepped forward and grabbed Derrick, dragging him away as if he were a lifeless corpse.

\”Mr. Garrison, Ms. Lopez, a thousand apologies for the trouble!\”

Ethan dared not stay there any longer as he led his men and hurried off.

The unexpected twist made Zoey and her parents dumbfounded.

What just happened?

Didn’t they come to arrest us?

Why was Derrick arrested instead?

What’s going on? This happened right after he reported his name.

The three of them gazed at Levi, with Zoey eyeing him doubtfully.

\”Aren’t you going to explain what’s going on?\” Zoey started.

\”It’s simple! We may not have an invitation, but we came in legally, so we’re safe. And what Derrick did just now has disrupted the order of the banquet. You guys saw the horde of busybodies just now, no? That’s a bad impression right there. If the God of War learned about what transpired just now, forget about Derrick, even Jesse Nielsen himself can’t bear this responsibility.\”

\”I get it now,\” Aaron responded immediately. \”It’s fine as long as we prove that we came in legally!\”

Caitlyn nodded. \”Yeah, that should be it.\”

Though Zoey felt that something was amiss, there seemed to be no loopholes in his explanation. To her, it sounded perfectly logical and reasonable.

Yet, the moment Levi turned his head, his eyes flickered.

He had heard what Derrick said just now. Instead of locking him up for a few days, he was determined to let Derrick rot in prison.

The dinner banquet was simple, but the people who attended were so great a personage that Zoey and her parents dared not make a sound once they were seated.

\”Mom, Dad, why are you guys so tense? Walk around. Wouldn’t it be nice to make friends and meet new people?\” Levi smiled.

Aaron and Caitlyn exchanged glances. But in the end, they decided to stay rooted to their spot.

Zoey tilted her head, giving Levi a once-over. \”Aren’t you afraid?\”

Levi’s outward tranquility gave Zoey and her parents an illusion that he was accustomed to such an occasion.

\”Why should I be?\” Levi said.

Zoey pondered. He must be accustomed to it from facing vile and vicious people in prison.

Thus, she stopped asking.

In the meantime, there were more and more people arriving at the banquet.

Escorted by big crowds in front and behind, Jesse and a few other North Hampton big shots had arrived as well.

\”Hmm? Aaron, I’ve noticed that everyone came with gifts. Even Nielsen’s secretary is carrying a gift box of some kind. I think it’s just us who came empty-handed,\” Caitlyn observed.

The rest of the family caught a glimpse, and it was indeed so.

Everyone else brought gifts except for their family.

It was obvious as they were sitting at the corner, unmoving while the others had gathered together, waiting to present their gifts.

\”It’s because we didn’t understand the rules. I wasn’t aware of it,\” Aaron said as his head drooped.

\”Yeah. But Dad, Samuel, and the others had thought about it,\” Caitlyn said. \”Did you see the gifts in their hands just now?\”

Zoey sighed. \”It’s all my fault. I wasn’t sure if we could get in.\”

Aaron nodded. \”Should I arrange for someone to send some gifts now? There’s still time.\”

Levi quickly refused. \”Mom, Dad, just relax. Perhaps the God of War doesn’t like gifts.\”

\”No, this is the least we should do,\” Zoey said.

However, Levi let out a light chuckle. \”I think the God of War will appreciate those who came empty-handed. Do you believe me?\”

\”I don’t.\” Zoey shook her head.