After what had happened and having get to recover the contract, Lily’s parents reluctantly agreed to the wedding not because of love but they wanted to witness the humiliation of lily and Robert.After they've repeatedly warned her not to marry Robert because they believed he doesn't have a family and they believe Jonathan is a better option. Robert and Lily spelled out a date for his wedding. For Robert, he needed Lily by himself for the next phase of life he was about to take as the President of the Glidson Empire.Madam President wanted her son's wedding to be the grandest of it all; that would be a medium to officially announce him as president of the Empire. The initial announcement wasn't out to the world yet; it was just within the company's shareholders and important position within the group.Meanwhile, Lily's father objected to the marriage at the last minute, while his family kept humilating Robert for having no family.The months leading up to the wedding were fraught wi

Mrs. Hartley, too, was taken aback, but she quickly steeled herself. “It’s all for show. Let them throw their money around. They’re overcompensating for something—mark my words.”But as the guests arrived, each one more prestigious than the next, it became evident that this was no ordinary affair. The world’s elite had gathered to celebrate the union of Robert and Lily, many of them personal acquaintances of Madam President herself. The air buzzed with excitement and whispers of admiration for the grandeur of it all. The Hartleys, standing in the midst of such opulence, began to feel out of place, but they refused to let it show.Inside, the palace had been transformed into a paradise of gold, ivory, and deep crimson. Chandeliers were draped in flowers—roses from Ecuador, peonies from Japan, and rare orchids flown in from Thailand. The tables, set with gold-plated dinnerware, sparkled under the soft candlelight. It was the epitome of luxury, every detail a reminder of the sheer weal

Mr Hartley glanced over at Jonathan, whose face was frozen in disbelief, his usual cocky attitude crumbling beneath the weight of the grandeur surrounding him. Meanwhile, Robert’s lips twitched into a slight, almost imperceptible smile. Jonathan had always looked down on him, thinking he was better, richer, more successful, more deserving of Lily. Now, Jonathan was just another guest, watching from the sidelines, knowing full well that he could never compete with the spectacle Robert had created.As the ceremony went on, Robert kept his composure, but every now and then, he would lock eyes with Lily’s parents. Their regret was written all over their faces, but Robert remained gracious. He had nothing to prove to them anymore. Their earlier insults, their dismissal of him as a nobody—it was all irrelevant now.Robert’s thoughts were calm, but focused. This is just the beginning, he thought as he gently squeezed Lily’s hand. He knew there was more to come—more success, more surprises

As the guests settled into their seats, enjoying the opulence around them, Mr. and Mrs. Hartley, driven by desperation and pride, approached the entrance with the assumption that their position as Lily’s parents would automatically grant them access. Mr. Hartley, in particular, saw this as an opportunity to network with high-profile guests and elevate his own status.But as they neared the grand doors of the dining hall, the couple was stopped by two security guards. Mr. Hartley frowned, incredulous, as he was blocked from entering.“What’s going on?” he demanded, trying to push past the guards. “I’m the bride’s father. Step aside.”The lead guard, his face a mask of professionalism, shook his head. “I’m sorry, sir, but you’re not on the guest list for this dinner.”Mrs. Hartley, her face reddening with embarrassment and disbelief, clutched her husband’s arm. “What do you mean we’re not on the list? This is our daughter’s wedding!”The guards didn’t flinch, their instructions clear.

The next morning, despite the lingering exhaustion from the previous day's stress, Robert woke up with a renewed sense of determination. He had spent much of the previous night tossing and turning, trying to make sense of the unease gnawing at him. Still, he knew he couldn’t afford to dwell on it any longer—there was work to be done, and the company needed his undivided attention. His mind was set on having a productive day at the office, no matter what challenges might come his way.After taking a quick shower and dressing in his usual sharp suit, Robert glanced at the clock. He was running a little behind schedule but still had plenty of time to catch up. As he walked out of his apartment, the city was already bustling with the sound of traffic and distant conversations. The cool morning air was refreshing, and for a moment, he allowed himself to appreciate the calm before the inevitable storm of a busy workday.He arrived at the company headquarters a little before 9:00 AM, his