Dave watched the scene unfold with a bemused expression. He could see the anger simmering beneath Gerald’s forced apology, but he didn’t care. “Apology accepted,” he said casually, waving his hand as if dismissing the entire matter. Gerald’s eyes blazed with fury at Dave’s dismissive tone, but he held his tongue. He couldn’t afford to cross Gordon, not now! But the humiliation was like a fire in his chest, and he could feel his anger festering. Just then, Ava appeared, walking back into the yard after finishing some errands. She noticed the tension in the air immediately and stopped in her tracks, taking in the scene: her brother, seething with anger, Dave standing calm and unbothered, and Gordon looking exasperated. She rolled her eyes, a deep sigh escaping her lips. “What now?” Ava asked, exasperated as she walked past them toward the dining area. The servants were busy setting up the tableware and arranging the lavish dishes for lunch. Ava barely managed t

The tension in the room was palpable as the underground casino manager leaned against the doorframe, his cold, calculating eyes scanning the family like a predator sizing up its prey. His men stood behind him, arms crossed and faces hardened, creating an oppressive atmosphere that seemed to crush the very air in the villa. "One billion dollars," the manager repeated menacingly, his voice dripping with mockery. "Pay up!" "Or we'll take Gerald and teach him a lesson he won't forget. Maybe a few broken limbs will remind him not to mess with us." Gerald, whose legs had already been trembling, now fell to his knees, his face pale as a ghost. He turned to his parents, his voice quivering as he pleaded, "Mom, Dad, please! You can't let them take me! Do something!" Joyce clutched her chest, her breathing ragged. Greg was visibly shaken, his eyes darting around the room. The manager smirked, clearly enjoying their desperation. "You have two options: pay the full amount

Gerald was just about to cry out to Jerry to help him, but before Gerald could say a word, the casino manager spoke up. Steeling himself, the manager gave a subtle but respectful nod toward Dave before addressing the room. “Listen everyone,” the manager began, his tone now composed and businesslike, though there was a slight tremor in his voice. “I’ve just realized something important. It appears that this family is hosting a very distinguished guest.” “Given this, I must apologize for any disturbance we’ve caused. Rest assured, Gerald’s debt is hereby cleared in full.” It turned out that just a couple of days ago, the manager had seen the photo of Dave in his boss's office. Although his boss hadn't explained Dave's identity, since he wasn't qualified to know too much either, had sternly warned his subordinates not to offend the person in the photo under any circumstances, or even God wouldn't be able to save them! The casino manager never expected to meet the person

"Hannah, you’ve always been quick to jump to the wrong conclusions. Ava is truly unfortunate to have you as a friend."At this moment, Ava became more angry at Dave.She had expected him to apologize to Jerry and even thank him for helping them. But here he was showing no sense of remorse.To her, it was beyond embarrassing—especially in front of Jerry, who had saved them from a dire situation.“Dave, your behavior is insufferable,” she said sharply, turning to face him. “You don’t realize how much embarrassment you’ve caused. Do you think we can’t see through your lies and your desperate need to prove yourself?”Dave's expression remained indifferent. He seemed unfazed by her accusations.Without hesitation, he turned to face Ava, standing beside Gerald and Hannah."You all are blind and ignorant,” he replied calmly."You’re praising the wrong person while being deceived. But that’s none of my business, is it? Fools will always pay their dues to liars.”Ava’s face flushed with anger

Dave clenched his fists, forcing himself to focus. He remembered Kathy telling him something important: her mother was the orphanage director, and she had found him at the doorstep one cold night. He had been filthy and unconscious, with nothing on him except a jade-plate necklace and a note asking the orphanage to take him in temporarily.The image of the jade necklace flickered in his mind. He could almost feel its cold weight against his skin. It had been the only clue to his identity back then, yet it was now another piece of the puzzle lost to time.Kathy had also mentioned her younger brother—a simple-minded boy who always trailed behind her. Dave recalled the boy’s shy smile and the way he clung to Kathy like a shadow. The siblings had been inseparable, their bond unbreakable even amidst the harsh conditions of the orphanage.Just as the fragments seemed to align, a sharp, piercing pain exploded in Dave’s head."Argh!" he groaned, clutching his temples as he staggered bac