Hanging up the phone, Louis walked along the island’s unique scenic path, following the iconic crytal-stone path.Everything was just like before, which made Louis feel as if he had returned to the past.Before he knew it, Louis had already passed through the tropical gardens.Soon, the path wound through tropical gardens until the wedding venue appeared – a masterpiece of crystal and precious gems catching the sunlight in rainbow prisms."And now, ..." Just then, the officiant's voice carried through the structure."By the words of God and the witnesses, I now pronounce the groom, Ben Gutsby, and the bride, Vivian Howard, as husband and wife. You may kiss...”Outside the transparent wedding chapel made of crystal and gems, Louis heard Vivian’s name and glanced in that direction.There, he saw Vivian in her bridal gown, her makeup heavy, her smile broad.However, Louis’s gaze didn’t linger on her for the least bit.Instead, his gaze shifted to Juliet, who stood not far away, wearing
How could the gentle, supportive Louis be the same person Vivian called 'the biggest mistake of her life'?"What's your plan this time?" Vivian demanded. angrily "Try to win me back? Make some dramatic scene? Beg for another chance like the desperate dog you are?""He's probably hoping to get his picture in the society pages," Jackson called from the back. "Still trying to climb that social ladder!""You disgust me," Vivian continued, her voice echoing off the crystal walls."Mom was right about everything – you're nothing but a calculated fraud who fooled me once. Never again!"The guests shifted uncomfortably, some already posting to social media, others recording the confrontation with barely concealed excitement.Juliet felt her world tilting sideways. The Louis who defended my family's honor... is the same man they're calling a social-climbing fraud?How could that be?Something must be wrong, right?"Security!" Vivian screamed again. "Get this piece of garbage out of my si
Unlike the others, she saw no humor in this public humiliation."He probably practiced this entrance in the mirror," a young socialite giggled. "Rehearsed his little dramatic moment!""Should we call animal control?" someone joked cruelly. "Seems we have a stray that needs removing!"Vivian basked in the mockery. "See, Louis? Everyone knows exactly what you are – a desperate nobody who can't accept rejection."The crystal walls seemed to amplify every cutting laugh, every whispered insult. Only Juliet remained silent, her mind wrestling with the contradiction between the Louis she knew and the one being portrayed."Security's taking their time," a groomsman called out."Maybe he bribed them too!""Wouldn't put it past him," Vivian sneered. "He always was good at crawling his way into places he doesn't belong.""What's wrong, Louis?" Vivian taunted. "No clever comebacks? Finally realizing your place in the world?"Everyone laughed as if Louis was a joker and trying to humiliate h
The entire ceremony fell silent with Louis’s wordsWhat the fuck?This nobody made a random call to who-knows-whom and said the wedding was cancelled?Who did he think he was?Just then, Vivian burst into a loud laugh."Oh my God! You’re really hilarious! You think you can simply cancel it? Who do you think you are?" Vivian's voice rose hysterically."Have you lost your mind?"“Exactly! Does he think he’s the island owner or something?”"You have ten minutes," Louis continued calmly. "After that, security will escort you out.""You can't—" Ben started."I can," Louis cut him off. Vivian's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water.She didn’t understand why Louis was this bold."This is impossible! You're nothing! A nobody!"The gathered crowd fell into stunned silence as Louis thumbed another number on his phone."Security?" he spoke clearly. "Please begin the evacuation procedures. Anyone not on the approved list needs to leave within the hour."Juliet watched in amazement
"I propose we teach our uninvited guest a lesson about respect. “Anyone who helps ensure this... person," he spat the word like poison."... never works in Apple City again will have the full support of the Gutsby Family.""The Gutsby Family?" several voices murmured with interest. The name carried weight, and everyone knew it."That's right," Ben continued, straightening his designer suit. "As you all know, my family's influence runs deep in this city. Anyone who stands with me today won't regret it. The Gutsby Family never forgets its friends."Vivian clutched Ben's arm, her diamond bracelet catching the light. "Darling, you're too kind offering help to these people just to deal with this... nobody."She shot Louis a venomous look."Though he certainly deserves whatever's coming to him.""Oh, honey," Ben kissed her cheek, "anything for you. And besides, ..." He turned back to the crowd, "do you know where we are? This is Neckor Island's premier wedding venue. Do you think just
The elegant wedding hall buzzed with activity as prominent figures rose from their seats, each eager to curry favor with the Gutsby family."The Western Bank of Apple City stands with you, Ben!" Marcus Thompson, the bank's president, declared, adjusting his gold cufflinks. "This nobody won't be able to open so much as a savings account in this city.""Hamilton Industries will ensure he never sets foot in any tech company in Apple City." Sarah Hamilton announced, her diamond necklace glinting under the chandeliers.This is exactly the influence I needed to demonstrate, Ben thought smugly, watching the power players align themselves one by one."My media conglomerate will make sure everyone knows what a pathetic troublemaker he is," shouted Richard Chen, CEO of Chen Media Group."He'll be toxic to any employer in the country!"Victoria, beaming with pride, clutched her champagne glass."Oh, Ben darling, just look at how everyone respects you! This is exactly why you're perfect for my
Louis Kindsor stood silently in the living room of the luxurious villa he shared with his wife, Vivian Howard.His face was a mask of calm, but his eyes betrayed a storm of emotions. In his hand, he held a tablet displaying surveillance footage that would change everything.As Vivian entered the room, her smile faltered at the sight of Louis's serious expression."What's wrong, dear?" she asked, her voice tinged with false sweetness.Without a word, Louis turned the tablet towards her. The footage showed Vivian entering a hotel with another man, their body language leaving little doubt about their intentions.Vivian's eyes widened, then narrowed. Instead of shame or remorse, her face twisted with anger. "You had someone follow me?" she hissed.Louis shook his head slowly, in disappointment."That's all you have to say? No explanation, no apology?"Vivian laughed dismissively, as if she didn’t care the least that Louis had caught her in an affair. "Why should I apologize? This is p
"Welcome back, sir," the crisp voice of Terminator X came through the phone. "It's time for you to return to your rightful place. You’ve been held back for too long."Louis leaned back in the plush leather seat, a fleeting look of desolation crossed his face. "You’re right. I’ve wasted too much time.”He then quickly adjusted his demeanor and ordered. “Forget it. Let’s talk about the current situation.""As you command, sir," Terminator X replied, “the 300 billion assets you previously invested globally have now multiplied several times, reaching 2 trillion. I’ve been overseeing them for you.” “Also, your 300 domestic companies are showing steady performance improvements.”“Now that you’re back, I can finally hand everything over to you, sound and safe.”Louis chuckled.He could feel Terminator X’s eagerness to turn in the burden, as if the weight of these assets was suffocating him. “No rush, my man, can’t you spare me a few days for relaxing? I just divorced, you know?”“I apo