I am the New King in the Idol System

Chapter 1-I'm Not a Sycophant!

A black sedan drove at a moderate speed, cutting through the asphalt streets that were beginning to be crowded with a number of vehicles. A 30-year-old man, black hair with a curtain cut, thin build, wearing thick glasses due to minus 5 in the right eye and minus 5 in the left eye. Slightly hunched over due to scoliosis, he looked happy as his smile did not fade.

"Serenity will love this good news. Yes, I know that the timing isn't right since it's still the mourning period for Mr. Stanton's death. It's unfortunate that such a good man should die so soon," said a young man named Denver Xander while driving.

Next to the stand, there was a brochure offering a new housing complex that he wanted to buy. A house with a courtyard because Denver likes to grow plants that produce vegetables or fruit. He hoped that his wife would like it as a place for the two of them to live until old age.

At exactly 8am local time, Denver's car arrived at a retail company that provides daily necessities for consumers. Stanton Store has many stores in the form of convenience stores in almost all corners of the city. This makes everyone recognize the figure of the late Stanton who was known to be generous and wise.

When Denver stepped into the Stanton legacy company that he now runs, the young man's steps halted as he entered the main lobby. His brow furrowed when he saw his father-in-law-Thomas Stanton-being mobbed by employees. The dark-haired man walked slowly, trying to figure out what was going on. Until suddenly, everyone's eyes were on him.

"What a long life. Denver Xander. Yes, he's the guy I told you all about," Thomas said with a smirk on his face.

"What's going on, Dad?" asked Denver, confused.

"Dad? I never wanted to be your father! The Stanton family has never recognized you as a son-in-law! You were just an outsider that my father picked up and made his assistant. You took advantage of my father's kindness by poisoning his brain. You influenced my father so that when he died, you became the CEO of this company! You're a sycophant, Denver!" Thomas pointed out.

Thomas' words practically stunned Denver. "I still respect you as the father of Serenity, my wife. Watch your language, Mr. Thomas," Denver said, holding back his anger.

"Wife did you say? Well, it seems the CEO position has made your brain unhinged, Denver. Since when is my daughter married to you? Don't hallucinate. Serenity only pities you because you're an orphan. She never loved you," Thomas replied sarcastically.

"Cut the crap!" exclaimed Denver in annoyance, but Thomas laughed instead. Denver tried to be patient and an exemplary leader as the late Stanton had hoped. "All of you, back to your rooms. It's time to get to work," Denver ordered, to which several employees nodded.

"Hey! I should be the CEO of Stanton Store, not you! I'm Stanton's biological son! You must have forged my father's will in order to sit at the head of the company. Just confess!" exclaimed Thomas, causing the tension to rise again.

People were whispering again. Yes, they knew and confirmed what Thomas said about Denver's background. Back then, Denver Xander was introduced as Stanton's assistant. Mr. Stanton praised Denver for his ability and honesty in working in front of the employees during the company's 50th anniversary. Denver followed Mr. Stanton for a long time since he was 25 years old. He is a diligent, disciplined, responsible worker and always manages to complete the targets of the company.

Until finally Mr. Stanton died of illness. A week after his death, shocking news broke again when Stanton's lawyer said that Denver was appointed CEO of the company and owned 50% of the shares. Never mind Thomas, who is Stanton's biological son, Denver himself was shocked that he had earned that trust. However, negative rumors spread quickly like a virus that Denver had manipulated the will since he was Stanton's trusted assistant.

"If you want a leadership seat, please take it. However, do it the right way, not by spreading false news to the public. Vilifying my name and demeaning me before everyone. Are you aware, Mr. Thomas? Your behavior shows how poorly you think. Maybe that's why Mr. Stanton entrusted his company to me instead of his son," Denver said.

"Damn it! You big mouth, Denver!" shouted Thomas angrily and rushed at the man with the beard.

The employees were stunned that a Denver would dare to insinuate Stanton's son. However, they agreed with Denver's words. To them, what Thomas did was too much. Denver was shocked when Thomas desperately launched his right hand. Denver managed to duck out of the way, but as it turned out, Thomas had men with him. Two big men appeared from behind and grabbed Denver's body. Thomas launched another punch into the poor man's stomach and made Denver instantly bend over in pain.

"Dad, stop it!" a woman in the distance exclaimed, causing Thomas to immediately turn his head.

The employees were at a loss for action. Thomas' brow furrowed when he saw a beautiful young woman come up to him and ask the two big men to release their grip on Denver's body.

"Why resort to violence? We can talk about this in a friendly way!" the woman said, glaring at Thomas. "Let's go home, Denver," said the woman with long black hair, who was none other than Serenity Stanton, Denver's wife.

Denver struggled to contain his anger at his father-in-law's harsh treatment that he never expected. The employees quickly left the lobby as the fight was suppressed. Denver endured the pain in his stomach because he never exercised his muscles.

He spent his youth studying, thinking that if he became a smart person, he would easily get a job and a big salary. That was indeed the case. Unfortunately, without self-defense, it doesn't happen in London, UK, which is known for being physically and mentally tough.

"Thanks for taking my side, Honey," Denver said with a smile, but the beautiful woman next to him made an annoyed face.

"We're going home. I have something important to tell you," she replied.

"Why not stay here?" However, Serenity refused. Denver, who always gave in and obeyed his wife's wishes, did what she wanted.

On the way home, Denver had to endure the pain in his stomach because it was the first time he had been hit so hard. Mr. Stanton's home was far from the city. It has a large yard and a three-story house like a mansion. Denver, on the other hand, lives in a company-owned apartment not far from the office. A room was given to him by Mr. Stanton when he became his trusted assistant.

Upon arriving home, Serenity was shocked to see a luxury car in her yard. Denver's brow furrowed as his wife suddenly got out of the car and ran with a happy face. Denver was actually sick of being in the Stanton household. After Mr. Stanton's death, those people always looked down on him and interfered with his domestic life. However, for the sake of his beloved wife, Denver was forced to enter the house.

"You're ...." Denver pointed to a man who looked familiar. He had seen him somewhere, but where?

"Oh, so... him, Denver Xander the orphan who hit the jackpot as a young master because of Mr. Stanton's kindness? Yes, he does look like a two-faced sycophant," said a blond-haired man, tall and well-built and dressed in an exclusive suit befitting a young executive.

"Serenity. Do you realize what you're doing? Take your hands off him!" Denver asked angrily as his lover embraced the man who had insulted him.

"I'm tired of acting all this time, Noval. You tell him," Serenity said to the dashing man named Noval Colton.

"I will. You are a great guest in this house, Mr. Noval Colton. Let me teach Denver an important lesson," Thomas' wife Carmen said. Denver's eyes were now locked on the mother-in-law who had never appreciated his efforts. "We never recognized you as a member of the Stanton family. You're an outsider. So, look up. Be self-aware and leave when we give you the chance."

"I am part of this family. I have legal papers for my marriage to Serenity Stanton!" exclaimed Denver, unwilling to have his pride trampled upon.

"Oh, he mentioned it. Perfect timing, Denver. Sign the divorce papers. I never loved you. I did everything because of Grandpa. The shares should have been for me, not you!" Serenity shouted angrily as she handed him the divorce papers that had Denver's eyes wide open.

Denver then pulled Serenity's hand, which made the beautiful woman's body pressed against his. Serenity was angry, but Denver was adamant about his wishes. "You're doing this to me on purpose. You're jealous because grandfather loves me more. However, I know that you love me. I can see it in the way you look at me, Honey."

Serenity chuckled softly as she shook her head. "Yes, I'm very good at acting, Denver. You fell for it so easily. Just think, how could a beautiful woman like me love a man like you?" Serenity replied with a condescending look. Denver was stunned. "Don't you see that handsome, dashing man on the other side? Yes, that's the kind of man I love, not you. If it weren't for grandfather, I wouldn't even want to come into contact with you like this! Hurry up and sign the divorce papers!" Serenity insisted. Denver, however, refused.

An upset Serenity shouted for help to Carmen and Noval. The two immediately rushed to Denver. Serenity held up the divorce papers and Carmen forced Denver to stamp all five right fingers in lieu of a signature. Noval held Denver's body tight like a snake so the skinny man couldn't fight back.

"Arrghhh!" shouted Denver angrily as he stamped his five fingers on the divorce papers. "You guys... you're too much!"

"Get rid of him, Noval!" cried Serenity as she folded the divorce papers.

Denver rebelled this time. He tried to fight Noval. But the big man was no match for him. With one punch, Denver fell to the ground. Noval dragged his body as Denver tried to get up. Denver continued to moan trying to get up, but his efforts always failed. Until his body was thrown off the porch and rolled across the yard.

"Oh, we had to resort to rough methods to get rid of you, huh? Hem, you deserved it, sycophant," Thomas quipped as he was escorted by the two big men who had been holding Denver. Denver's breath caught as he watched Thomas open the car door for him with a smile. "Get as far away as you can and never come back. We are not your family and this place does not belong to you. Don't ever show up again or we won't hesitate to make your life miserable," Thomas said as he signaled to his two bodyguards to forcibly put the hunchbacked man into the car.

The battered Denver was even more unable to resist. He was forcibly put into the car and stared at by everyone. Denver's face was contorted, his heart in pain. He did not think that he had only been used by the Stanton family members.

Denver strengthened his heart again. He held the steering wheel firmly even though his nose was dripping blood. He finally chose to leave as the swindler's family wanted. He knew there was no point in staying as he would only suffer.

"Hahaha, yes, it is like that. Go as far away as you can. Thank me for giving you the car for free," Thomas said as Denver backed the car away.

For the last time, Denver looked up at the people who had done this to him. But the men laughed at him. They knew that Denver would not be able to retaliate. The hunched-over man left the Stanton residence with a deep sense of disappointment. His mind was in such turmoil that Denver could not focus on driving. He simply drove along the road that would take him somewhere. Hopefully, a better place than before.

"I will never forgive you! I'll get you back, just you wait," he said with a vengeance that made him unconsciously step on the gas pedal at full speed because the road was climbing.

Denver, who was filled with hatred, became dark-eyed. When he realized that the road he was on looked steep, Denver started to slow down. However, his heart skipped a beat when the brake pedal failed. Denver couldn't mask his panic as the downhill road made the car speed up even more.

"No, no, no! Arrghh!"